Russian Troops Enter Niger Amid U.S. Withdrawal

Russian forces have reportedly taken control of an airbase in Niger housing U.S. troops, following orders from Niger’s junta for American forces to leave. This move comes amidst rising tensions between the two global powers.

Niger’s ruling military leaders have demanded nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel exit the country. Until last year’s coup, Niger remained a vital ally in America’s battle against insurgents, who have wreaked havoc and led to mass displacement in the region.

Speaking anonymously, a senior U.S. defense official noted that Russian troops are using a separate hangar at Airbase 101, near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, and are not interacting with American personnel.

This development, first reported by Reuters, brings U.S. and Russian forces into uncomfortable proximity, especially as their diplomatic and military rivalry intensifies over the conflict in Ukraine.

Concerns are rising about the future of U.S. facilities in Niger post-withdrawal. The official remarked, “It’s not an ideal situation but manageable for now.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin downplayed potential risks, asserting that Russian forces are isolated from U.S. troops and equipment. “They’re in a different compound, not near our forces or hardware,” Austin emphasized.

Austin assured that troop safety remains a priority, adding, “Currently, I don’t foresee a major threat in terms of our force protection.”

Neither the Nigerien nor Russian embassies in Washington responded to requests for comments on the situation.

U.S. and allied forces have had to relocate from several African nations following coups that installed governments keen on distancing themselves from the West. Besides Niger, U.S. troops have recently vacated Chad, and French forces have been expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso.

Simultaneously, Russia is striving to bolster ties in Africa, positioning itself as a non-colonial power. For instance, Mali has developed close ties with Russia, with the Wagner Group mercenaries actively fighting jihadists there.

Russia describes its current relationship with the U.S. as “below zero,” a consequence of America’s military and financial support for Ukraine.

Nigerien authorities briefed President Joe Biden’s administration about the expected arrival of around 60 Russian military personnel, though this figure remains unverified by U.S. officials.

Following the coup, some U.S. troops relocated from Airbase 101 to Airbase 201 in Agadez. The status of U.S. equipment at Airbase 101 remains uncertain.

Constructed for over $100 million, Airbase 201 has been operational since 2018, primarily deploying armed drones against Daesh and al Qaeda affiliates.

Washington remains concerned about the potential expansion of terrorist activities in the Sahel region in the absence of U.S. forces and intelligence capabilities.

Niger’s request for U.S. troop withdrawal followed a critical March meeting in Niamey, where senior U.S. officials expressed concerns over the anticipated arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking uranium in the region. The official clarified that while their message wasn’t an ultimatum, they made it clear that U.S. forces couldn’t coexist with Russian troops on the same base.

“They didn’t receive that well,” the official noted.

A two-star U.S. general has been deployed to Niger to facilitate a responsible exit strategy for American troops.

While no final decisions about the withdrawal have been made, the current plan is for U.S. forces to return to their home bases under U.S. Africa Command, located in Germany.