Russian military staff have moved into an airbase in Niger, which had been sheltering US soldiers, subsequent to a directive from Niger’s governing junta to eject American forces. The ruling military authorities in the West African country have instructed the US to remove its roughly 1,000 soldiers. Previously, before an upheaval the previous year, this nation was a pivotal ally in the US’s combat activities against insurgents, who have caused a multitude of deaths and displacement.
As per a high-ranking anonymous US official, the Russian troops are not intermingling with the American forces but have taken over a separate hangar at Airbase 101, situated adjacent to Niger’s capital, Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport.
The recent action by the Russian forces has landed American and Russian soldiers into a closely located condition, against the backdrop of escalating discord between the two nations’ military and diplomatic relations due to the Ukraine conflict. This situation also stirs speculation regarding the destiny of US military establishments in Niger, post-withdrawal.
The anonymous official said that the situation is unwelcome but currently manageable. The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, dismissed any perceived threat to American troops or potential access to US military equipment by the Russian soldiers during a press meet in Honolulu. He assured that the Russians are housed in a different compound and do not have entry to the US forces or their equipment. He added that he is always concentrating on securing the safety of their troops, and he does not see a prominent risk in the present situation.
Communications for comments from the embassies of Niger and Russia based in Washington were not responded to promptly.
The US and its allies have had to retreat troops from several African nations following takeovers that led to the establishment of groups seeking to steer clear of western governments. Apart from the impending exit from Niger, American soldiers have recently exited Chad, while French soldiers have been evicted from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Concurrently, Russia endeavours to deepen its bonds with African nations, promoting itself as a friendly power devoid of any colonial history in Africa. An example is Mali, which over recent times has transformed into one of the closest African allies of Russia, with the mercenary force, Wagner Group, positioned there to battle jihadist insurgents.
The relationship between Russia and the United States is considered to be “sub-zero”, primarily due to American’s military and financial support of Ukraine in its conflict with Russian invaders, as portrayed by Russia.
The American government was informed by the Nigerien authorities that approximately 60 Russian military personnel might be stationed in Niger, though the American official could not confirm this information.
Following a recent political upheaval, US forces based at Airbase 101 in Niger relocated to Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez. There was a lack of clarity about the remaining US military equipment left at Airbase 101.
Airbase 201, situated in central Niger, was developed by the United States at a cost exceeding $100 million. From 2018 onwards the airbase has been utilised to target with armed drones, the fighters of Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM).
The US is troubled by the potential for Islamic militants within the Sahel area to expand their influence in the absence of US military and intelligence forces.
A request from Niger for removal of US troops was triggered following a meeting in Niamey in mid-March. During the discussions, high-level US officials expressed worries about numerous issues, such as the anticipated deployment of Russian forces and reports of Iran sourcing raw materials, including uranium, from within Niger.
Although no ultimatum was issued to Nigerien officials, the US was clear that an amalgamation of Russian and American forces on the same base would not be tenable. The response to this proposition was not well received.
A two-star US general has been dispatched to Niger to organise a strategic and orderly withdrawal of American troops. No final decisions have been made regarding the future of US militaristic presence in Niger, but it is being considered that the troops might be returned to the home bases of the US Africa Command, located in Germany.