U.S. troops in Chad are accounted for after reports of gunfire and alleged deaths following the announcement of the Presidential election results. Videos on social media show weapons being fired indiscriminately at civilians, but the Department of Defense assured that all U.S. personnel are safe. Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Deby, claimed victory in the election with 61% of the votes. Despite tensions with Russia and a temporary withdrawal of some troops for the election, the U.S. hopes to maintain a presence in the country.
In neighboring Niger, a standoff has occurred between the U.S. military personnel and the military junta favoring Russia. The U.S. has been conducting flight operations against Jihadist forces in Niger, but negotiations are underway for a full withdrawal of U.S. forces. Reports suggest that the Kremlin’s private army, the Wagner mercenaries, have been allowed to operate in close proximity to the U.S. forces in the country. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin downplayed the situation, emphasizing the importance of force protection for U.S. troops in Niger.
Russian forces in Niger are located at a different section of the airport’s compound, according to the Department of Defense source. Strategic Military Intelligence Analyst Rebekah Koffler noted that physical threats from Russian forces to U.S. forces are unlikely due to the established deconfliction procedures. However, she highlighted the counter-intelligence risk, with Russia constantly collecting intel on the U.S. military. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley has stressed the importance of U.S. troops in Africa to counteract terrorism and other security threats on the continent.
Amid discussions of withdrawal from Niger, the State Department revealed ongoing negotiations for an orderly and responsible exit of U.S. forces from the country. U.S. military personnel in Niger have been relying on commercial airlines for transport, as military flights have been limited. The proximity of Russian troops to U.S. forces poses a counter-intelligence risk, with the potential for unintentional confrontations or escalations between the two. Gen. Langley highlighted the interconnected challenges of terrorism, poverty, food insecurity, and climate change in Africa, emphasizing the need for a continued U.S. presence on the continent to address these threats.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Africa, the U.S. and Russia are vying for influence and support. Reports indicate that Wagner mercenaries have been operating at an airbase in Niger, where U.S. forces are also stationed. Both countries have strategic interests in the region, with the potential for intelligence gathering and confrontations between their respective forces. Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains committed to its counterterrorism efforts in Africa, recognizing the importance of stability and security on the continent. The situation in Chad and Niger underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, requiring ongoing diplomatic negotiations and strategic decisions to ensure the safety and security of U.S. personnel and interests.
