Russian military personnel have recently entered an airbase in Niger where some U.S. troops are located, according to two U.S. officials. The Russians have been in Niger for a few weeks as the U.S. negotiates the withdrawal of its troops from two airbases in the country. Most of the U.S. troops remaining in Niger are at a second airbase in the city of Agadez, about 500 miles away from the capital. The Russian presence comes amid increasing tension between Washington and Moscow due to U.S. support for Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Following a coup in Niger in July 2023, the U.S. was asked to withdraw its troops from the country, where they had been conducting counterterrorism missions using drones across the Sahel region of north Africa. The diplomatic efforts to restore ties with Niger have been unsuccessful since the U.S. officially designated the takeover a coup in October. The neighboring countries of Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso have expressed support for Niger’s new military leaders, with some turning to Russian mercenaries for military training and support following the expulsion of French forces.
Despite the Russian presence at the airbase where U.S. troops are also located, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin downplayed the risks of both forces being in close proximity, stating that the Russians are in a separate compound and do not have access to U.S. forces or equipment. The Pentagon has announced plans to relocate most of the approximately 100 troops deployed in neighboring Chad for the time being as the situation in the region remains uncertain. Washington had previously considered Niger a key partner and ally, investing millions of dollars in the Agadez base which has been crucial for U.S. counterterrorism operations in the Sahel.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is actively developing military ties with various African countries, including Niger. The Russian presence in Niger comes at a time when several countries in the region have experienced political instability and military takeovers, leading to shifts in alliances and security agreements. The involvement of Russian mercenaries and military personnel in the region has raised concerns about potential escalation of conflicts and increased tensions between global powers in Africa. The situation in Niger and neighboring countries continues to evolve as various actors navigate changing political landscapes and security dynamics.
