Developed nations are jockeying for influence in Africa’s emerging economies and the United States’ sway in Niger is visibly waning. Russian experts and equipment recently arrived in the country after reports surfaced that visiting American officials had offended their hosts.
Many expect U.S. troops to withdraw from Niger but it’s unclear if they will be forced out. The arrival of Russian forces clearly indicates that Niger is moving away from U.S. support for its counter-terrorism initiatives.
State television aired footage of two Russian trainers disembarking from a plane carrying military supplies. Dressed in military uniforms with face coverings and caps they addressed the audience in French.
“We are here to train the Nigerien army to use the military equipment that is here. We are here to develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger,” one stated.
Russian military instructors arrived in Niger this week state TV said citing a deal between the junta and Moscow to boost security cooperation
Russia has agreed to set up an air defense system and train Nigerien troops as the future for US forces in the country remain uncertain pic.twitter.com/PXGLhnb1ZA
— Katarina Höije (@katarinah) April 11, 2024
Niger officials haven’t yet ordered U.S. military forces to leave but that action is widely anticipated. With Moscow establishing a presence in the Central African nation it will be difficult for American personnel to remain.
This is a stark reversal from recent years when the U.S. had a strong partnership with Niger in the tumultuous region. Washington had invested millions in constructing a desert military base that served as the hub for its peacekeeping operations.
Everything changed last summer when U.S.-trained elite forces orchestrated a coup against Niger’s elected leaders. The new regime didn’t maintain the previously close relationship with the United States.
This shift will undoubtedly impact Niger’s ability to contain al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups operating in the area. Niger and neighboring countries have suffered greatly at the hands of these insurgents.
Last month the ruling junta strongly signaled its displeasure with the U.S. presence announcing a ban on flights from the desert base and stating that the U.S. military was no longer recognized. State officials were also upset by Washington’s warning against cooperating with Russia or Iran claiming the U.S. was pressuring the country to choose between allies.
As American influence declines in Niger Mali and Burkina Faso Russia is bolstering its military presence in all three nations while China seeks to expand its foothold on the continent. The rapidly changing geopolitical landscape has significant implications for the global fight against terrorism in the region.
