Russian Troops Enter US Air Base in Niger Amid Rising Tensions

Russian military personnel have entered Airbase 101 in Niger, a facility that still hosts a small contingent of US troops.

The move comes as Niger's ruling junta, which seized power in a coup last year, has demanded the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 US troops from the country. The presence of Russian forces at the base puts US and Moscow world troops in close proximity at a time when tensions between the two nations are escalating over the conflict in Ukraine.

Why this matters: This development highlights the growing competition for influence in West Africa between the US and Russia, with significant implications for regional security and global power dynamics. As Russia expands its presence in the region, it may challenge US interests and create new flashpoints for conflict.

According to a senior US defense official, the US is operating out of a separate hangar at Airbase 101, located next to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger's capital. The official stated, "The situation is not great, but in the short term, manageable." US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin downplayed any risk to American troops, emphasizing that "The Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to US forces or access to our equipment."

The US has had a significant military presence in Niger, with approximately 1,000 personnel stationed in the country. Niger has been a key partner for Washington in the fight against insurgents in the Sahel region. However, following the coup in July 2023, the ruling junta has turned to Russia for weapons and security assistance, leading to a deterioration in relations with the US.

In March, Niger's military government revoked a military cooperation agreement with the United States, demanding the exodus of US troops. Talks between the two countries broke down, prompting the Pentagon to announce its intention to comply with the demand and withdraw forces, although no timeline was provided. The US has already begun consolidating its troops, relocating most personnel from Airbase 101 to the $150 million drone base in Agadez, approximately 920 kilometers (550 miles) away.

The forced withdrawal from Niger is a significant setback for the US military as it seeks to combat extremist groups in the region, including the Islamic State offshoot, Boko Haram, and others. The development also highlights growing concerns about Russia's aggressive attempts to gain influence in West Africa.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, stated that the US is also relocating most of its approximately 100 forces deployed in neighboring Chad, calling it "a temporary step as part of the ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad's May 6th presidential election."

The presence of Russian troops at Airbase 101 serves as a vivid illustration of the challenges and competing interests at play in the region. While the immediate security implications for the remaining US forces appear manageable, the long-term consequences of Russia's expanding influence in West Africa remain a concern for Washington. As tensions between the US and Russia continue to simmer, the story in Niger highlights the delicate balance of power and the potential for further instability in an already volatile region.

Key Takeaways

• Russian military personnel enter Airbase 101 in Niger, where US troops are still present.
• Niger's ruling junta demands withdrawal of nearly 1,000 US troops from the country.
• US begins consolidating troops, relocating most from Airbase 101 to Agadez drone base.
• Russia's expanding influence in West Africa challenges US interests and regional security.
• US relocates most forces from neighboring Chad, citing "temporary step" before presidential election.