US Secretary Meets Reformed Jihadists In Niger Republic

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a visit to Niger Republic by meeting former jihadists who have been rehabilitated through a vocational training programme backed by US funding.

Mr. Blinken called it a model for the region, which has been beset by attacks by Islamist militants.

It is the first-ever visit to Niger by a US secretary of state, and US officials said his arrival was a show of support for President Mohamed Bazoum, who has allowed Western militaries to operate from his country.

Meanwhile, neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have kicked out French troops and replaced them with Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group.

The US has described Wagner as a destabilising force and designated it an international criminal organisation.

Mr. Blinken is due to meet President Bazoum later on.

BBC/Christopher Ojilere