West Africa’s Niger has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia to implement peaceful development of nuclear energy. The achievement marks a broader deal between Moscow and the three military-led governments of the Sahel regime. These include Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger which are part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The agreement focuses on ensuring peaceful use of nuclear energy across the region. Furthermore, it will see Rosatom assist these West African nations in developing infrastructure. It includes the construction of power plants and research reactors, as well as supply of nuclear fuel. The announcement was made by the press office of Russia’s Ministry of Energy. Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev stated his commitment on the agreement through the ministry’s official Telegram channel. Moreover, he added that the memorandum outlines collaboration on multiple fronts other than nuclear energy development. It also covers advancements on nuclear medicine and joint training of specialists in this field.
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The Significance of Russia’s Nuclear Energy Cooperation with African States
The significance of Russia’s nuclear energy cooperation with African states such as Niger outlines their commitment in advancing nuclear energy development. The deal also highlights Russia’s long-term strategy to build a nuclear development ecosystem in Africa’s military-led states. Moreover, it signals a new phase of strategic engagement in the Sahel. Many West African and East African states are turning to Moscow to facilitate in their nuclear energy development. States such as Ghana and Uganda have already inked agreements with Rosatom to advance their nuclear energy. Other than South Africa, many states in Africa are yet to develop their nuclear energy, making the race stiff. These agreements reflect the evolving global realignment in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. Russia is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic ally to African governments looking beyond Western-led institutions for support and investment. If these agreements take shape as planned, Rosatom could greatly facilitate in nuclear energy development in Africa.
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