Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger where US troops are stationed. This development comes after Niger’s junta ordered the expulsion of US forces from the country.
Following a coup last year, the military rulers of Niger instructed the US to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country. Niger had been a crucial partner for Washington in its fight against insurgents responsible for numerous casualties and displacements.
The presence of Russian forces at Airbase 101, located next to Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport, puts them in proximity to US troops. However, the US official clarified that Russian forces are not intermingling with US personnel but are utilizing a separate hangar.
This move occurs amidst escalating military and diplomatic tensions between the US and Russia, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. It also raises uncertainties about the future of US installations in Niger post-withdrawal.
While both the Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington have yet to respond to requests for comment, the situation remains tense. The withdrawal of US troops from Niger follows a trend across Africa, with Western forces being ousted from various countries after political upheavals.
Simultaneously, Russia is actively courting African nations, positioning itself as a friendly alternative to Western powers. Mali, for instance, has become a key ally of Russia, with the deployment of the Wagner Group to combat extremist insurgents.
The deteriorating relations between the US and Russia, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and geopolitical maneuvering, have further complicated the situation in Niger. Despite efforts to manage the situation, concerns remain about the potential for further escalation and the impact on regional security.
As the US plans for a responsible withdrawal from Niger, questions linger about the fate of US military equipment and the broader implications for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region. However, no definitive decisions have been made regarding the future presence of US troops in Niger.
