Russia–Niger: Dialogue between Academies of Sciences and Opportunities for Scientific and Educational Cooperation

The article analyzes the prospects for scientific and educational cooperation between Russia and Niger, considering the historical context as well as the political, economic, and social changes that occurred after the July 2023 coup. The study is based on the author's personal observations and meetings during a visit to Niamey in February 2025. The author concludes that the coup in Niger, as in other countries of Francophone Africa, was driven by much deeper causes than the officially declared fight against corruption – namely, resistance to a new type of French colonialism. Following the collapse of the colonial system in Africa, France continued to exploit African nations by maintaining economic, military, cultural, and informational influence over them. Today, Niger, like many other African states, is striving to free itself from modern forms of colonialism in all spheres of life, including science and education, and looks to Russia for support in this struggle.

Russia, Niger, Alliance of Sahel States, social and economic development, colonialism in science, scientific and educational cooperation, dialogue of academies of sciences, technological sovereignty