US and Russian troops have been operating out of the same military base in Niger for several weeks, in close proximity to each other amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine and the ruling junta’s desire for US forces to leave. The Russians are using a separate hangar on the base, not sharing space with American troops. However, the Russian presence has caused tension between the US and Niger’s military junta, raising concerns that Niger is turning toward Russia as a crucial foothold for US counterterrorism operations in the region.
In March, US officials visited Niger, expressing concern about the escalating Russian military presence and the future of Air Base 101. A tense meeting followed, and shortly after, Niger announced the end of the accord allowing US military personnel to operate there since 2014. The US military is now working on an orderly withdrawal of troops from Niger, with plans to send another delegation to discuss further details. The US is still awaiting clearance from the Nigerien government for military flights in and out of the country.
Reuters first reported on the presence of Russian troops at Air Base 101, highlighting the increasing military cooperation between Russia and Niger. The two countries agreed to strengthen their military ties in January, with Russia sending equipment and military trainers to Niger. The US has already withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad after Chad demanded they leave. More than half of the US troops stationed in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, have relocated to Germany.
The Russian presence at Air Base 101 in Niger has become a contentious issue between the US and Niger’s ruling junta, following Russia’s strengthening military ties with the country. The US had expressed concerns about the increased Russian military presence during diplomatic meetings in Niger, which ultimately led to Niger ending the accord that allowed US military personnel to operate there since 2014. The US is now working on withdrawing troops from Niger, awaiting clearance for military flights in and out of the country.
The growing cooperation between Russia and Niger has raised alarms within the US military and government, particularly as relations between the US and Niger have soured over the Russian military presence. The US and Nigerien government are negotiating the orderly withdrawal of US troops from the country and working on logistical details for the process. Concerns about Niger’s shift towards Russia as a strategic partner for military operations in the region have led to tensions between the US and Niger’s ruling junta.
Overall, the presence of US and Russian troops at Air Base 101 in Niger has underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The intensifying military cooperation between Russia and Niger, coupled with the US’s withdrawal of troops from Chad, reflects a shifting landscape in which countries are reevaluating their military partnerships and alliances. The US’s efforts to withdraw troops from Niger while monitoring Russian activities in the country illustrate the challenges of navigating strategic interests and alliances in a complex and rapidly evolving global environment.
