Russian Troops Enter Niger Airbase Alongside US Forces Amid Junta's Demand

Russian troops have entered Air Base 101 in Niger, where nearly 1,000 US soldiers are also stationed, amid heightened tensions between the US and Niger's ruling military junta. The move comes after the junta requested the withdrawal of US forces from the country, following a coup in July 2023 that brought them to power.

Why this matters: The development highlights the growing competition between the US and Russia for influence in Africa, with significant implications for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts. The outcome of this standoff could also set a precedent for other African countries seeking to distance themselves from Western influence.

According to sources, Russian and US troops have been operating out of the same military base in Niger for at least several weeks, with the Russians using a separate hangar on the base. "It is not that big of an area," said one of the sources, referring to the proximity of Russian and US troops at Air Base 101.

The Russian presence at the base has been a major point of contention between the US and Niger's military junta. In March, US officials, including Gen. Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, and Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, visited Niger and expressed concern about the escalating Russian military presence in the country.

Following 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, while still trying to get clearance for military flights in and out of Niger.

The developments in Niger are part of a broader trend of US and French forces being expelled from African countries following coups that have brought to power military governments seeking to distance themselves from Western influence. In January, Russia and Niger agreed to strengthen their military ties, and on April 11, Russian media reported that Russia was sending equipment and 100 military trainers to Niger.

The US has around 1,000 military personnel in Niger, with some forces already relocated to Airbase 201 in Agadez, which the US built at a cost of over $100 million. The base has been used to target Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliate fighters with armed drones since 2018. Washington is concerned about Islamic militants in the Sahel region, who may be able to expand without the presence of US forces and intelligence capabilities.

The situation in Niger raises questions about the future of US military presence in Africa and the growing influence of Russia on the continent. As tensions continue to escalate between the US and Niger's junta, it remains unclear how long Russian and American troops will continue to operate in such close proximity at Air Base 101. The outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and the balance of power in Africa.

Key Takeaways

• Russian troops enter Air Base 101 in Niger, where 1,000 US soldiers are stationed.
• Niger's military junta requested US forces' withdrawal after a July 2023 coup.
• Russia and US compete for influence in Africa, with implications for regional stability.
• US has 1,000 military personnel in Niger, with some relocated to Airbase 201 in Agadez.
• Outcome of standoff may set a precedent for other African countries seeking to distance themselves from Western influence.