- Niger swaps US troops for Russians at key airbase.
- US and Russia now stationed side-by-side in Niger.
- US ousted after disagreements with Niger's military rulers.
- Niger joins other African nations cozying up to Russia.
The Sahel region of Africa is a hotbed of Islamist insurgency, and the fight for stability has taken a dramatic turn in Niger. After Niger’s military rulers demanded the withdrawal of US troops stationed at Airbase 101 near the capital Niamey, Russia has surprisingly deployed its own military trainers to the same base.
This move underscores the deteriorating relationship between the US and Niger’s new junta. The US has long relied on Niger as a key partner, using Airbase 101 as a vital hub for monitoring jihadist activity. However, the US’s refusal to link continued security assistance to a specific timeline for Niger’s return to democracy strained relations. In contrast, Russia reportedly makes no demands about governance, making them an attractive alternative for the junta.
While US officials downplay any immediate safety threat to their remaining troops stationed elsewhere in Niger, the situation is undoubtedly tense. The exact number of US and Russian personnel at Airbase 101 remains unclear. Additionally, questions linger about the true nature and effectiveness of Russia’s military contribution to Niger’s fight against insurgents.
This development in Niger is part of a larger trend in the Sahel. Several other countries in the region, also led by military juntas, have recently pursued closer ties with Russia while distancing themselves from France, the former colonial power. This shift reflects a search for new partners in the fight against Islamist extremism.
The US Africa Command acknowledges the setbacks in Niger and Chad, where dozens of US troops recently pulled out due to similar tensions with the military leadership. However, the US remains committed to the region’s stability. General Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command, emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue with these countries, aiming to guide them back towards democracy in the long run.
The future of the fight against Islamist extremism in the Sahel remains uncertain. The US withdrawal from key bases and Russia’s growing presence raise questions about the effectiveness of future counter-insurgency efforts. Only time will tell if Niger’s gamble on Russia will pay off, or if the entire region will face further destabilization.
