By John Ikani
Russian troops have been reported to arrive at an airbase in Niger where American soldiers are stationed, as confirmed by US officials.
This development follows Niger’s directive for the US to withdraw its troops involved in combating Islamic insurgents in the region.
Although present at the base in Niamey, the Russian forces are said to be segregated from the American troops, as confirmed by US officials speaking to Reuters.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured that the presence of Russian troops does not pose a threat to US forces.
“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to US forces or access to our equipment,” Mr. Austin clarified during a press briefing in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He emphasized his focus on ensuring the safety of American troops, noting that, at present, there are no significant concerns regarding force protection.
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Niger, situated in Africa’s Sahel region, has emerged as a focal point in the global fight against the Islamic State group. The US has heavily relied on Niger as a key base for monitoring jihadist activities in the region.
However, relations between the US and Niger’s ruling military regime soured after the regime denounced last year’s coup, leading Niger to seek assistance from Russia in combating Islamist insurgents.
Reports indicate that the Russian troops deployed to Airbase 101 at Niger’s international airport in Niamey are primarily serving as military trainers. They are housed in a wing close to where US troops are stationed.
Earlier this year, Niger informed the US that approximately 60 Russian troops would be deployed to the country, although the current accuracy of this figure remains uncertain.
Likewise, the exact number of American troops remaining at Airbase 101 is unclear, with most believed to be stationed at a drone base in Agadez, some 750km northeast of Niamey.
Tensions between the US and Russia have escalated significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the US leading Western efforts to support Ukraine with weapons.
Despite these tensions, analysts see no immediate risk of confrontation between US and Russian troops in Niger. According to Paul Melly of the Chatham House think tank, Niger’s military leadership rejected US attempts to tie security assistance to a return to civilian rule, preferring less conditional support from Russia.
In March, Niger ordered all US troops to leave the country, accusing the US of objecting to Niger’s choice of allies. While there is no evidence that Russia pressured Niger or other Sahel countries to expel Western forces, they have capitalized on the situation.
However, the extent of Russia’s contribution to Niger’s security remains uncertain.
The head of the US Africa Command expressed a desire to maintain engagement with Niger and Chad, highlighting the threat posed by violent extremist organizations in Africa.
Meanwhile, Chad recently saw the departure of dozens of troops amid concerns raised by the military leadership ahead of the May elections.
Several other countries in the Sahel region have also strengthened ties with Russia and distanced themselves from France, their former colonial power, in efforts to combat the Islamist insurgency.
Gen. Langley stressed the US’s goal of fostering dialogue with countries under military rule to facilitate a return to democracy.
Last year, Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which experienced recent military coups, announced their withdrawal from the G5 international force established to combat Islamists in the region, opting instead to form their own grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States.
