Syrian mercenaries have been deployed to Niger, raising eyebrows and concerns in the international community.
The Recruitment Process
Hundreds of militants affiliated with various armed factions operating under the banner of the “Syrian National Army” have been recruited by Turkish intelligence officers. These fighters were subsequently trained by the Turkish military in north-central and northwest Syria, areas controlled by Turkey’s northern neighbor.
According to Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, approximately 1,100 Syrian fighters have been deployed to Niger since September of last year. Their primary motivation appears to be financial gain, with a monthly salary of $1,500. Additionally, wounded mercenaries receive up to $30,000 in compensation, while families of those killed receive up to $60,000.
One of the mercenaries, who chose the pseudonym Omar, explained his decision to join the deployment. “Life is hard in Syria,” he told Agence France-Presse from Niger. “There are no job opportunities [in northern Syria] besides joining an armed faction and earning no more than 1,500 Turkish lira ($46) a month.”
The pro-Turkey mercenaries find themselves in the Liptako-Gourma region, also known as the tri-border area between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since 2012, this region has been plagued by terrorism carried out by groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
Their intended role in Niger is to guard mines, oil installations, and military bases. However, reports indicate that they have become embroiled in fighting against jihadist groups, resulting in casualties among the Syrian fighters.
Adding to the complexity, Russian mercenaries are already present in Niger. The influx of pro-Turkey Syrian fighters raises concerns about exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions in the region. While Abdulrahman suggests cooperation between Turkish and Russian forces, Sadat International Defense Consultancy—a Turkish private military company—seeks to distance itself from the notorious Russian Wagner Group (now known as Africa Corps).
Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Africa
Nicholas Heras, a Middle East expert, views Turkey’s actions in Niger as part of a broader strategy. “It’s very clear that in Niger, Turkey is extending a policy that views Africa as a clear area of growth for commercial and military interests,” he told Voice of America.
Over the past decade, Turkey’s relationship with Niger has evolved, primarily through humanitarian aid, development initiatives, and commerce.
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently confirmed the start of US forces’ withdrawal from Niger, marking a significant shift in American military presence in the region. The first C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departed from Air Base 101 in Niamey on 7 June 2024. This March, the junta in Niger officially ended the military agreement that allowed the deployment of US personnel within its borders.
The decision to withdraw comes amidst ongoing instability in the Sahel region, where militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates continue to pose significant threats.
The withdrawal also highlights the shifting allegiance of the putschists in Niger, who, since sacking democratic President Mohamed Bazoum last year, have aligned militarily with Russia. The withdrawal of US forces raises questions about the future of US engagement in the region and its implications for both Niger and broader West African security.
Likewise, former colonial masters, France have withdrawn from Niger, with the first group of troops departing for France under the protection of the Nigerien Armed Forces. The departure of French troops from Niger has significant implications for counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region and underscores the French government’s stance on the coup.
