In a move stirring geopolitical tensions, Russian troops have been deployed to an airbase in Niger, where American soldiers are stationed, according to US officials. The deployment follows Niger’s military rulers’ order for the withdrawal of US troops engaged in countering Islamic insurgents in the region.
Reports indicate that Russian forces have established a presence at Airbase 101 in Niger’s capital, Niamey. However, US officials clarified to Reuters that Russian troops are segregated from American forces and do not interact with them.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin assured journalists in Honolulu, Hawaii, that the Russian presence posed no immediate risk to American troops, emphasizing the separation between the two contingents.
Niger, situated in Africa’s Sahel region, has become a focal point in the fight against the Islamic State group. The US has historically relied on Niger as a primary base for monitoring jihadist activity in the region. However, relations between the US and Niger’s ruling military regime soured after the regime condemned a coup last year, prompting Niger to seek assistance from Russia in combating Islamist insurgents.
The Russian troops deployed to Airbase 101 are reported to be military trainers, coexisting with a contingent of US troops. Earlier indications from Niger officials suggested approximately 60 Russian troops would be stationed in the country, though current figures remain uncertain.
Amidst the evolving situation, questions linger regarding the number of American troops remaining at Airbase 101, with a significant portion stationed at a drone base in Agadez, hundreds of kilometers away.
Tensions between the US and Russia have escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the US leading Western efforts to support Ukraine with weapons. However, analysts believe that despite deteriorating relations, direct confrontation between US and Russian troops in Niger is unlikely.
Paul Melly, a West Africa analyst at Chatham House, emphasized Niger’s military leadership’s preference for Russian assistance due to its non-interference in governance matters, contrasting with US demands for a return to civilian rule.
The US remains committed to engagement with Niger and other Sahel countries to combat violent extremism, according to Gen. Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command. Meanwhile, several Sahel countries have strengthened ties with Russia while distancing themselves from former colonial power France in their fight against Islamist insurgency.
As the situation unfolds, the international community closely monitors developments in Niger and the broader Sahel region amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and security challenges.
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