Niger Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Niger Under General Tiani: The Institutionalization of Military Rule and the Reconfiguration of Power in the Sahel

The decision by Abdourahamane Tiani to formalize a five-year transitional presidency marks a decisive transformation of Niger from a coup-led transitional state into a consolidated military regime with long-term geopolitical ambitions. Far from representing…

May 20, 2026Niger

Democracy Geopolitics Governance Terrorism

Moscow in the Sahel: The Strategic Erosion of U.S. Influence in West Africa

The military regimes of the Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—are forming a new security and political alliance while distancing themselves from Western partners. Russia is playing a central role in shaping…

April 9, 2026Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Russia, USA

Geoeconomics National Security

Bypassing the System: Russia’s Crypto Networks in Africa and the Erosion of U.S. Sanctions Power

Moscow is using Africa as a space in which it can reduce the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions pressure by shifting external transactions into crypto-based payment channels operating outside the traditional…

April 8, 2026Niger, Nigeria, Russia, USA, Zimbabwe

Conflict Geopolitics

Manufactured Enemies: The Strategic Logic Behind Niger’s War Talk with France”

A member of Niger's ruling junta has urged his country's citizens to prepare for "war" with France, as relations with the former colonial power hit new lows. Why Now: Strategic…

February 13, 2026France, Niger, Russia

Corruption Geoeconomics Geopolitics

How Russia’s MoD Secures and Exploits Sahel’s Strategic Minerals

Between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—also known as the Confederation of Sahel States—was officially established in July 2024 as a mutual defense and political. After withdrawing from the Economic Community…

August 15, 2025Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Russia

Democracy Geopolitics Governance

From Transition to Tenure: Niger’s Military Government Digs In and the Future of West Africa’s Juntas

Niger's junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been sworn in for an additional five-year transition period. Per his previous statements, this transition was expected to conclude this year, leading to…

March 27, 2025Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

Geopolitics Governance

Self-promotion in Mali and rapprochement in Niger: signs of domestic differences in junta-led states

Asimi Goita, (the junta leader of Mali since 2021) promoted himself and assumed the special title of "supreme" commander of the "land army". He went further to promote five other…

October 31, 2024Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sahel

Geopolitics

Military juntas’ confederation project may be orchestrated in Moscow

As part of its colonialist policy in Africa, Russia has launched the process of creating a puppet Confederation project involving Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Therefore, by using its control over…

March 11, 2024Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

Coup Intelligence ops

Niger coup: Russia likely behind

The coup in Niger that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum has signs that Russia is most probably involved. First of all, Wagner mercenaries made attempts to gain influence in Niger starting from 2021, as they launched disinformation campaigns to…

July 27, 2023Niger, Russia, Wagner Group

Estimates Terrorism

Gold as a resource base for jihadists in the Sahel

The process of rebuilding ISIS in Sahel region depends on gaining the source base in the region for its ops. There are signs that gold sites in the Sahel can…

November 26, 2019Burkina Faso, DAESH, gold, ISIS, Niger, Sahel

Niger