TEHRAN: Iran expressed its willingness on Wednesday to assist Niger in overcoming international sanctions imposed after a military coup, as part of Tehran’s efforts to enhance relations with African nations and reduce its isolation.
Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice-president, condemned the “cruel sanctions imposed by the domination system” during a meeting with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. “We will definitely share the experiences we have in this field with our brothers” from Niger, he added.
Niger is subject to economic and financial sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States following a military coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
During the meeting, Mokhber commended Niger’s success in establishing an independent government after the coup, and Zeine expressed the country’s intention to revitalize cooperation with Iran. The two nations signed agreements in various sectors, including energy, health, and finance.
In recent months, Iran has shown support for leaders who came to power through coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
President Ebrahim Raisi praised the “resistance of these African countries” against “hegemonic European policies and colonialism” in September 2023.
Similar to Russia and Turkey, Iran aims to strengthen its influence in Africa by fostering diplomatic ties.
President Raisi visited Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe in 2023. Moreover, Niger’s Prime Minister Zeine visited Moscow, where agreements to enhance military cooperation with Niger’s army were made to combat jihadist groups.
