Recent reports reveal that Russian troops have been stationed at an airbase in Niger, where American soldiers are also located. This development follows Niger’s directive for the withdrawal of US troops, who have been engaged in counterterrorism operations against insurgents in the region.
Despite sharing the base with US forces, Russian troops are said to be confined to a separate compound and are not interacting with American personnel. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin assured that there is no significant risk to US forces, emphasising their safety and protection.
Niger, situated in Africa’s Sahel region, has been a focal point for US military operations against insurgents. However, relations between the US and Niger’s ruling military regime have soured since the country’s condemnation of last year’s coup, prompting Niger to seek assistance from Russia in combating militants.
The Russian troops deployed to Airbase 101 in Niger’s capital, Niamey, reportedly serve as military trainers. The exact number of Russian troops present remains uncertain, as does the current count of American troops stationed at the base.
Tensions between the US and Russia have escalated significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Nevertheless, analysts do not foresee a direct confrontation between US and Russian forces in Niger. Niger’s military leadership’s preference for Russian assistance over US involvement is said to be attributed to Russia’s lack of governance demands.
Recent developments, including the withdrawal of US troops from Chad ahead of elections, highlight the complex situation at play in the Sahel region, where military-led governments seek to balance alliances between global powers while combating insurgency.
