In a significant diplomatic engagement on Monday, December 29, 2025, the President of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, held a substantive telephone conversation with His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. This high-level exchange underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Sahel and highlights Türkiye’s deepening engagement on the African continent.
The dialogue between the two leaders was comprehensive, covering several current topics of mutual strategic interest. While official communiqués are often deliberately broad, analysts suggest such discussions likely encompassed regional security dynamics, economic cooperation, and energy partnerships. For Niger, a nation navigating complex post-transition challenges and regional instability, Türkiye represents a crucial non-Western partner offering investment, military equipment, and diplomatic support without the political conditionalities often associated with traditional allies.
A central theme of the conversation was the excellence of fraternal, friendly, and cooperative relations between Niamey and Ankara. This is not mere diplomatic pleasantry. Türkiye has methodically expanded its footprint in Africa over the past two decades through a combination of soft power—via the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and educational exchanges—and hard economic interests. For Niger, a resource-rich but landlocked nation, partnership with Türkiye offers avenues for infrastructure development, technical training, and access to Turkish markets.
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President Tiani extended sincere thanks to President Erdogan for Türkiye’s firm support for Niger’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This point is particularly salient. In the volatile Sahel region, where Niger faces threats from transnational terrorist groups and potential external pressures, Ankara’s unequivocal backing provides significant diplomatic leverage. Türkiye’s stance contrasts with that of some Western nations and regional bodies that have imposed sanctions or expressed reservations following Niger’s recent political changes. This support reinforces a growing axis of mutual interest among nations seeking a multipolar world order.
Furthermore, President Tiani acknowledged Erdogan’s personal involvement and constant availability in implementing bilateral projects. This highlights the personalized nature of modern Turkish diplomacy, where Erdogan’s direct engagement often accelerates agreements. Potential projects could range from defense and security cooperation—possibly involving Bayraktar drones, which have been supplied to other African nations—to critical infrastructure in energy, mining, and transportation. Niger’s vast uranium, gold, and oil reserves are of clear strategic interest, while Türkiye seeks to diversify its energy sources and expand its construction and contracting sectors.
The timing of this call is instructive. As Niger continues to redefine its international partnerships following the dissolution of security agreements with former Western allies, strengthening ties with a major regional power like Türkiye offers an alternative path for security cooperation and economic development. This conversation signals to both domestic and international audiences that Niger is successfully cultivating powerful and supportive relationships beyond its traditional sphere.
Done in Niamey, December 29, 2025
The Minister, Director of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic, Head of State, Government Spokesperson Dr. Soumana Boubacar