Russian Troops Deployed to Niger Airbase Amid Tensions with US
NIAMEY — In a dramatic turn of events, Russian troops have been stationed at an airbase in Niger where American soldiers are also located, according to US officials.
The move follows a directive from Niger’s military rulers for the US to withdraw its troops who were actively combating Islamic insurgents in the area.
Although Russian forces are present at the base in Niger’s capital Niamey, they are reportedly not interacting with American troops, as confirmed by US officials speaking to Reuters.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin assured that the presence of Russian troops does not pose any “risk” to US forces.
“The Russians are situated in a separate compound and do not have access to US troops or equipment,” Austin stated during a press briefing in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He emphasized, “I am always prioritizing the safety and security of our troops… At this moment, I do not perceive any significant issues in terms of our force protection.”
Niger, located in Africa’s Sahel region, is considered a key battleground against the Islamic State group.
The US has traditionally relied on Niger as a primary base for monitoring jihadist activity in the region. However, tensions have escalated between the US and Niger’s ruling military regime following their condemnation of a coup last year.
As a response, Niger has sought assistance from Russia in combating Islamist insurgents in the southern part of the country.
The Russian troops deployed at Airbase 101 in Niamey are reportedly serving as military trainers.
They are stationed in a wing adjacent to a group of US troops at the same base.
Earlier this year, officials in Niger informed the US that approximately 60 Russian troops would be deployed to the country. The current accuracy of this figure remains unclear.
Similarly, the exact number of American troops remaining at Airbase 101 is also uncertain.
Most US troops in Niger are believed to be stationed at a drone base in the central city of Agadez, located about 750km (460 miles) northeast of Niamey.
The deteriorating relations between the US and Russia, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin, have raised concerns globally. However, experts believe that a direct confrontation between US and Russian troops in Niger is unlikely.
Paul Melly, a West Africa analyst at the Chatham House think tank, highlighted that the US has made significant efforts to maintain its presence in Niger despite facing resistance from the country’s military leadership.
He explained, “The attraction of the Russians for the junta lies in their lack of demands on governance and democratic principles.”
In March, Niger ordered the departure of all US troops following objections raised by the US regarding Niger’s choice of allies.
Melly noted that while there is no evidence of Russian influence in expelling Western forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, Russia is capitalizing on the situation. The true contribution of Russian troops to Niger’s security remains uncertain.
The head of the US Africa Command expressed a desire to maintain engagement with Niger and Chad, emphasizing that violent extremist organizations pose the greatest threat to Africa’s stability.
Recent events, including the withdrawal of troops from Chad ahead of elections, highlight the complex dynamics in the Sahel region as military-led countries strengthen ties with Russia and distance themselves from former colonial powers like France.
Gen. Michael Langley underlined the US’s objective of engaging with military-run countries to facilitate a return to democratic governance.
Amidst political turmoil and security challenges, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have withdrawn from the G5 international force and established their own alliance — the Alliance of Sahel States. — BBC
