Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger hosting U.S. troops, after the ruling officials in Niger decided to expel U.S. forces. The U.S. has been instructed to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, which had been a key partner in the fight against insurgents prior to a coup last year. Russian forces are using a separate hangar at Airbase 101 in Niamey, Niger’s capital, not mingling with U.S. troops but raising concerns about potential conflicts between U.S. and Russian troops given the increasing rivalry between the two nations.
The move by Russian military forces comes at a time of heightened military and diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has downplayed any risk to American troops, stating that the Russians are in a separate compound and do not have access to U.S. forces or equipment. However, questions remain about the fate of U.S. installations in Niger following the withdrawal, as U.S. troops have also recently left other African countries due to political changes.
Russia’s growing presence in Africa, including in close alliances with countries like Mali, reflects a broader effort by Moscow to strengthen relations with African nations. On the other hand, the U.S. and its allies have faced challenges in maintaining military presence in African countries due to political changes and the rise of anti-Western governments. The U.S. official noted that Nigerien authorities had mentioned around 60 Russian military personnel being present in Niger, though that number could not be independently verified.
Concerns about the potential expansion of Islamic militants in the Sahel region without the presence of U.S. forces and intelligence capabilities have been raised following the decision to expel U.S. troops from Niger. The U.S. had built Airbase 201 in central Niger at a significant cost to target Islamic militants with armed drones, highlighting the importance of American military presence in the region. The decision to request the removal of U.S. troops was made after a meeting in Niamey, where U.S. officials raised concerns about the arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium, in the country.
An American two-star general has been dispatched to Niger to oversee the withdrawal of U.S. troops in a professional and responsible manner. While the future of U.S. troops in Niger remains uncertain, there are plans for them to return to U.S. Africa Command’s home bases in Germany. The tensions surrounding the presence of Russian forces in close proximity to former U.S. installations highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Africa, where various global powers are vying for influence. The outcome of these developments will have implications for regional security and stability in the Sahel region.
