Recent reports have revealed that Russian and US troops have been operating out of the same military base in Niger for several weeks. The troops are stationed at Air Base 101, where the Russians have been using a separate hangar to avoid direct interaction with the American forces. However, concerns have been raised over the close proximity of the two militaries, especially amidst heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine.
The presence of Russian troops at the base has been a point of contention between the US and Niger's military junta, which took power in a coup in July 2023. US officials have expressed concerns about Niger's increasing military cooperation with Russia, fearing a shift away from US influence in the region.
In response to the escalating Russian presence, US diplomatic and military officials visited Niger in March to discuss the situation. Following a tense meeting, Niger announced the termination of the agreement that allowed US military personnel to operate in the country since 2014. The Pentagon has confirmed that the US military is now working on an orderly withdrawal of troops from Niger.
Meanwhile, Russia and Niger have been strengthening their military ties, with reports of Russian military trainers and equipment being sent to the country. This growing cooperation has further strained relations between the US and the Nigerien junta.
In a separate development, the US military has withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad after the country demanded their departure. More than half of the US troops stationed in Chad have now relocated to Germany.
