There are some African countries that have told France who had been doing 'security' for them for years and they were shit at it because of how bad things had gotten they actually asked the Russians to come along and help them.
If you're talking about Niger, it's because France gets most of its uranium and thorium from them. France has a vested interest in keeping its thumb on the scale with Niger's government, and the people are tired of being a French shadow colony.
It's extremely resource rich -- if you really want to get that noggin' jogging, check out who supplies Sudan rebels with weapons. It's one of those things you're not supposed to notice.
Also, check out what's happening with China usurping farms over there and the cobalt mine situation.
Also, to your point about the Russians cleaning up areas and suppressing rebellions, China did the same thing in Kenya and a few other places where they were establishing business operations (mostly mining infrastructure). They brought in their "specialists" to quell any rebel uprisings and haven't had any problems since.
If you're talking about Niger, it's because France gets most of its uranium and thorium from them. France has a vested interest in keeping its thumb on the scale with Niger's government, and the people are tired of being a French shadow colony.
It's extremely resource rich -- if you really want to get that noggin' jogging, check out who supplies Sudan rebels with weapons. It's one of those things you're not supposed to notice.
Also, check out what's happening with China usurping farms over there and the cobalt mine situation.
Also, to your point about the Russians cleaning up areas and suppressing rebellions, China did the same thing in Kenya and a few other places where they were establishing business operations (mostly mining infrastructure). They brought in their "specialists" to quell any rebel uprisings and haven't had any problems since.