Russian Troops Enter US-Hosted Airbase in Niger Amid Rising Tensions

Russian military personnel have entered Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger's capital, where nearly 1,000 US troops are stationed. This development comes after Niger's ruling military junta, which seized power in a coup last July, demanded the withdrawal of US forces from the country.

The Russian presence in Niger marks a significant shift in the regional balance of power, as Moscow expands its influence in Africa and challenges Western powers. This development could have far-reaching implications for global security and the ongoing competition for influence between major world powers.

The Russian troops are using a separate hangar at Air Base 101 and are not in contact or operating in the same space as US troops. However, the proximity of Russian and American forces raises concerns amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington over the war in Ukraine.

Niger's military junta revoked a military accord with the US in March, paving the way for Russian forces to develop military ties with the country. The majority of the remaining US troops in Niger are stationed at Air Base 201 near Agadez, over 500 miles away from Air Base 101.

A senior US defense official described the situation as "not great but in the short-term manageable." Republican Representative Matt Gaetz claimed last month that Russians were inside the wire on Air Base 101, stating, "Joe Biden and [Secretary of State Antony Blinken]'s weakness puts Americans in danger and empowers our adversaries."

The war in Ukraine, launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, has led to increased tensions between Moscow and Washington. Niger's military junta has turned to Russia to develop military ties, forcing out personnel from France and other European nations.

Niger faces violence from Boko Haram jihadists and militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province in the southeastern region of Diffa near Nigeria. The US pullout from Niger would mark a new regional gain for Russia, which has increased its focus on Africa, backing military regimes in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

Why this matters: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow was cultivating ties with African countries in all areas, including defense. "Those nations are interested in it, we are also interested in it, and we will continue to develop our relations with African states," Peskov said.

The Russian deployment to Air Base 101 in Niamey underscores the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region. As the US and its European allies face challenges in maintaining their influence, Russia appears poised to fill the void, forging new military partnerships with countries eager to distance themselves from Western powers.

Key Takeaways

• Russian military personnel enter Air Base 101 in Niger, where 1,000 US troops are stationed.
• Niger's military junta demands US forces withdrawal, paving way for Russian influence.
• Russian presence marks a significant shift in regional balance of power, challenging Western powers.
• US and Russian forces are stationed separately at Air Base 101, but proximity raises concerns.
• Russia expands influence in Africa, backing military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.