Niamey, Niger – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed on Friday that Russian military personnel have entered an airbase in Niger that hosts US forces. This move comes after Niger’s military rulers made the decision to expel nearly 1,000 US military personnel from the country in March.
The deployment of Russian troops to Airbase 101 in Niamey, Niger has raised concerns as it puts US and Moscow forces in close proximity at a time when relations between the two countries are tense. The US official stressed that the Russian troops are not mingling with US forces and do not have access to American personnel or equipment.
The situation in Niger is part of a larger trend where Western forces are no longer welcome in various African countries following military coups that have brought to power leaders distancing themselves from Western governments. US troops have recently left Chad, while the French military has been expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso. In contrast, Russia is seeking to strengthen its relations with African nations.
After a meeting in mid-March where US officials raised concerns about the expected arrival of Russian forces in Niger, Nigerien officials decided to ask US troops to leave. Despite the US not issuing an ultimatum, it was made clear that US forces could not be on a base with Russian troops, leading to the decision for a professional and responsible withdrawal.
While decisions regarding the future of US troops in Niger are still pending, the plan is for them to return to US Africa Command’s home bases located in Germany. The removal of US troops from Niger comes at a time when the country has been a key partner in the US’s fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel region of Africa.
Washington built Airbase 201 in central Niger with the cost exceeding $100 million, using it to target ISIL and al-Qaeda affiliates with armed drones. The recent developments in Niger reflect a broader geopolitical shift in Africa as various countries reevaluate their relationships with Western powers and explore new partnerships.
In conclusion, tensions between the US and Russia in Niger highlight the evolving dynamics in the Sahel region and the broader implications for international relations in Africa. As US forces prepare for a withdrawal from Niger, the geopolitical landscape on the continent continues to undergo significant changes.