Russian Troops Enter Niger Base Hosting US Forces Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Russia, Russian military personnel have entered Air Base 101 in Niger, which currently hosts nearly 1,000 US troops. The move comes after Niger's ruling junta, which seized power in a coup last year, decided to expel US forces from the country. A senior US defense official confirmed that Russian forces are using a separate hangar at the airbase, located next to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger's capital.

Why this matters: The increasing Russian presence in Niger and the Sahel region raises concerns about the growing competition for influence in Africa and the potential destabilization of the region. This development could have far-reaching implications for global security and the balance of power between the US and Russia.

While the Russian troops are not directly mingling with their US counterparts, the proximity of the two militaries raises concerns amid the rising tensions between Washington and Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine and the growing competition for influence in Africa. The Nigerien authorities have informed the US administration that around 60 Russian military personnel will be stationed in Niger, but the exact number has not been independently verified.

The US has been forced to relocate troops from several African countries following coups that have led to power groups distancing themselves from Western governments. Russia, meanwhile, has been actively seeking to strengthen its relations with African nations, positioning itself as a friendly country without colonial baggage on the continent.

The intensifying military cooperation between Russia and Niger has been central to the dispute between the US and the Nigerien junta. In March, senior US officials, including Gen. Michael Langley and Celeste Wallander, visited Niger and expressed concern about the escalating Russian military presence in the country. Just days after the meeting, Niger announced that it was ending the accord that has allowed US military personnel and civilian staff to operate in the country since 2014.

The US military is now working with Nigerien officials to carry out an orderly withdrawal of troops from the country. The majority of the approximately 1,000 US troops have been relocated to Air Base 201 near Agadez, about 920 kilometers (550 miles) away from the capital. The US built Air Base 201 in central Niger at a cost of over $100 million, which has been used to target Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliate fighters with armed drones since 2018.

Key Takeaways

• Russian military personnel enter Air Base 101 in Niger, where 1,000 US troops are stationed.
• Niger's ruling junta expels US forces, citing concerns over US presence and influence.
• Russia strengthens relations with African nations, positioning itself as a friendly country without colonial baggage.
• US relocates troops from Niger and Chad, potentially impacting counterterrorism efforts in the region.
• Competition between US and Russia for influence in Africa intensifies, threatening regional stability.