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Niamey: Russian and American troops have been operating at the same military base in Niger for several weeks, according to a United States defense official, CNN reports. Notably, this development has brought the two military forces closer, amid rising tensions in Ukraine and the junta's resistance to the withdrawal of US forces from the country. However, Russian and American troops are using separate facilities and operating out of Air Base 101 in Niger. Russian soldiers occupy a separate hangar to ensure physical separation from American troops.
The presence of Russian troops at the base has heightened tensions between the US and Niger's military junta, which seized power in a coup in July 2023. This raises concerns among US officials about Niger's possible leanings towards Russia, especially given the country's historical role. Important center for US counterterrorism efforts in the region.
In March, US diplomatic and military representatives, including Generals Michael Langley and Celeste Wallander, expressed fears about the growing Russian military presence during their visit to Niger. CNN previously reported that questions had arisen about the fate of Air Base 101 and the possibility of it being transferred to Russian control.
After the tense meeting, Niger announced its decision to end the agreement that had allowed US military personnel and civilian employees to work in the country since 2014. As a result, the US military is cooperating with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the orderly withdrawal of troops from the nation, it has been confirmed by the Pentagon.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said another US delegation is scheduled to visit Niger “hopefully … this week” to further discuss the withdrawal process. However, military flights in and out of the country are dependent on approval from the Nigerian government.
The deepening military cooperation between Russia and Niger has been a focal point of contention between the US and the Nigerian junta. Russia's Defense Ministry announced an agreement to strengthen military ties with Niger in January, while Russian media revealed plans to send equipment and 100 military trainers to the country. However, sources indicate that Russian troops were present in Niger before April.
The US military has begun the process of withdrawing troops from a French military base in Chad at the request of the government. Most of the US military personnel stationed in N'Djamena have already been transferred to Germany, CNN reports.