Russians and Americans suddenly join forces on a military base in Niger

After Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger also recently indicated that it wanted to rid itself of a Western military presence. According to reports from the AP news agency, there has not yet been a final decision on the departure of the Americans. The discussion about an ‘orderly withdrawal’ started at the end of April.

However, that did not prevent Russian soldiers from entering an air base near the Nigerien capital Niamey. A senior US defense official told Reuters that the Russians are not interfering with the Americans, but are using a separate hangar. “The situation is not great, but manageable in the short term,” he said.

In July 2023, Niger’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohamed Bazoum was deposed by his presidential guard. The Nigerien army immediately supported the coup. Since then, the country, which was considered the last ally of the US and Europe in the Sahel region, has been ruled by a military junta led by Omar Tchiani.

Just as the French had to leave Mali and Burkina Faso, the Americans were told to leave Niger. They were there to fight Islamic militias. The European missions in the country were also ended in December last year.

Uranium

For the Russians, the departure of Western armies offers an opportunity to strengthen ties with African countries, including by emphasizing that in their case there is no question of a colonial past.

In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledges military support: in the fight against terror, but also to keep the new dictatorial regimes in power. In the meantime, Russia gains access to the raw materials found in the soil. For example, Niger has uranium.

Russia has described its relationship with the US as ‘below zero’ due to the military and financial aid Washington is providing to Ukraine after the country was invaded by the Russian army.

Sixty Russians

Now the world powers are crossing paths at the dusty air base 101 near Niamey. The Russian military presence is reportedly limited to 60 people. It is not known how many of the Americans there are. Eight hundred to a thousand American soldiers reside throughout the country.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there was no major cause for concern. “The Russians are in a separate area and have no access to US forces or equipment,” he said at a news conference in Honolulu. “I am always focused on the safety and protection of our people, but at this time I do not see a significant problem.”