Amid Niger’s decision to expel U.S. forces, Russian military personnel has entered an air base hosting American troops.
The junta ruling Niger ordered the removal of nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel, severing a key partnership in Washington’s fight against insurgents in the region.
According to a senior U.S. defense official, Russian forces are utilizing a separate hangar at Airbase 101 in Niamey, Niger’s capital, adjacent to the Diori Hamani International Airport.
This development places U.S. and Russian troops in close proximity amid heightened tensions over the conflict in Ukraine, sparking concerns about the fate of U.S. installations post-withdrawal.
As part of a broader trend, African nations have expelled Western troops following coups, distancing themselves from traditional allies.
Besides Niger, U.S. troops exited Chad, while French forces were ousted from Mali and Burkina Faso. Concurrently, Russia is fostering ties with African nations, positioning itself as a non-colonial power in the continent.
Mali, in particular, has become a significant ally, hosting Russian Wagner Group mercenaries combating jihadist insurgents.
The deteriorating U.S.-Russia relationship, exacerbated by military aid to Ukraine, underscores diplomatic friction.
Despite Nigerien authorities informing the U.S. administration about the presence of roughly 60 Russian military personnel, the exact number remains unverified.
Following the coup, some U.S. forces relocated from Airbase 101 to Airbase 201 in Agadez, with uncertainty surrounding equipment left at the former.
The U.S. invested over $100 million in constructing Airbase 201, utilizing it to target Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region.
Niger’s decision to expel U.S. troops stemmed from concerns raised by senior U.S. officials regarding the anticipated arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium.
While efforts are underway for a responsible withdrawal, the U.S. military’s future presence in Niger remains uncertain, with plans to return troops to their bases in Germany under consideration.
