In a recent development, it has been revealed by a US defense official and corroborated by another source familiar with the situation that both Russian and US troops have been operating out of the same military base in Niger for several weeks. This revelation, reported by CNN, has placed the two military forces in close proximity, raising concerns amidst heightened tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the resistance by Niger’s junta on the withdrawal of US forces from the country.
While both Russian and US troops are stationed at Air Base 101 in Niger, they make use of separate facilities. The Russians have been confirmed to occupy a distinct hangar on the base, ensuring physical separation from American personnel. However, due to limited space, the proximity between the two forces remains notable.
The presence of Russian troops at the base has exacerbated tensions between the US and Niger’s military junta, which took power in a coup in July 2023. This development has sparked concerns among US officials about Niger’s potential pivot towards Russia, particularly considering its historical role as a crucial hub for US counterterrorism efforts in the region.
In March, US diplomatic and military representatives, including Gen Michael Langley and Celeste Wallander, expressed apprehension during their visit to Niger about the increasing Russian military presence. This visit raised questions regarding the fate of Air Base 101 and the possibility of it being transferred to Russian control, as previously reported by CNN.
Following a tense meeting, Niger announced its decision to terminate the agreement allowing US military personnel and civilian staff to operate in the country since 2014. As a result, the US military is currently working with Nigerien authorities to facilitate an orderly withdrawal of troops from the nation, confirmed by the Pentagon.
Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, has stated that another US delegation is expected to visit Niger “hopefully … this week” to further discuss the withdrawal process. However, military flights in and out of the country are subject to clearance from the Nigerien government.
The deepening military cooperation between Russia and Niger has been a focal point of contention between the US and the Nigerien junta. In January, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced an agreement to strengthen military ties with Niger, with plans to dispatch equipment and 100 military trainers to the country. Nevertheless, sources indicate that Russian troops had been present in Niger before April.
In a separate development, the US military has begun withdrawing troops from a French military base in Chad following the government’s demand for their departure last month. Over half of the US troops stationed at the base in N’Djamena have relocated to Germany, as reported by CNN.
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