The United States is preparing to withdraw over 1,000 military personnel from Niger, a former frontline partner in the fight against ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region, due to increasing deadly violence. Niger announced in March that it was terminating its defense agreement with the US, leading to discussions for an orderly withdrawal of US forces. The military government in Niger, established during a coup last year, and the US were always expected to have a strained relationship, with the junta recently expelling French troops and aligning with Russia.
Following the coup in Niger, the new military junta is looking to establish potentially more productive and equitable relationships with foreign nations, including Russia. In a bid to erase their past involvement, Russian military instructors visited Niger’s capital, Niamey, to help build an air defense base. The arrival of Russia signifies a new era for Niger, with locals supporting the junta’s decisions even amid hardships resulting from sanctions and aid cuts imposed after the coup. The junta aims to assert sovereignty and distance themselves from Western influence.
Previously, Niger was governed by Mohamed Bazoum, who was seen as a Western ally in the fight against armed groups in the Sahel region. However, his rule was marred by repression and corruption issues, leading to protests and ultimately a coup in July 2023. The coup generals claimed they were protecting the country from escalating security threats, which led to sanctions and diplomatic pressure from regional allies and Western powers. Tensions with the US escalated, culminating in the termination of the defense agreement in March.
The US had a military presence in Niger since 2012, primarily focused on drone surveillance operations and assisting in countering terrorist groups in the region. However, the partnership faced challenges due to unequal terms in the Status of Forces Agreement and a lack of trust between the junta and the US. The junta criticized the US for not sharing military intelligence and perceived the deal as exploitative. This strained relationship ultimately led to a decision to withdraw US forces from Niger.
Russia’s involvement in Niger has been on the rise following the coup, with the junta seeking assistance from Russian mercenaries and rebranding them as the “Africa Corps.” The Russia-Niger partnership is viewed as a strategic move to counter French influence in the region, particularly in terms of air defense capabilities. Russia’s approach in Niger involves providing military and diplomatic support in exchange for resources, such as uranium mines, which could threaten France’s energy security. The junta sees Russia as a temporary business partner rather than a foreign presence.
The US is now facing challenges in retaining its military presence in the region, particularly in Niger and Chad. The US is engaged in diplomatic efforts to convince the junta to allow its forces to remain in the country, amid tensions with Chad over security operations. Chad recently ordered the US to halt activities at an airbase, indicating a broader trend of African nations shifting towards partnerships with Russia. The US is reevaluating its approach to diplomacy in the region and working to maintain its influence amid changing alliances and power dynamics.
