A critical US partner in northwest Africa, Niger, is shifting its focus towards Russia amidst concerns raised by the top US commander in the region about Russian ambitions to dominate the entire Sahel region of Africa.
Niger, which has been a key base for US counterterrorism operations in the region for almost a decade, recently announced the termination of the agreement that allowed US military personnel and civilian staff to operate in the country since 2014.
The decision came after a tense meeting between Niger's military junta, which took power in a July 2023 coup, and US diplomatic and military officials, including Gen. Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, and Celeste Wallander, the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. The US delegation expressed concerns about the increasing Russian military presence in Niger, particularly regarding the future of Air Base 101 in Niger's capital and the potential handover to the Russians.
The junta leaders felt offended by the US delegation's stance, especially after the US had cut off most military and foreign assistance to Niger following the coup. The Nigerien military spokesman criticized the US delegation for its 'condescending attitude' towards Niger.
Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the US delegation had raised concerns about Niger's potential relationships with Russia and Iran in a direct and frank manner.
The growing military cooperation between Russia and Niger has become a central point of contention between the US and the Nigerien junta. Russia and Niger agreed to strengthen their military ties in January, as per Russia's Defense Ministry.
Despite the pause in US counterterrorism operations and training with the Nigerien military post-coup, the junta did not request the US to leave, unlike the expulsion of French troops and cutting ties with the EU in late 2023.
There are concerns among US military officials that Russia's increased presence in Niger signifies a loss of Western influence in the Sahel region. A military source highlighted fears that Russia is establishing a foothold in the region at the expense of US interests.
US officials have expressed worries that a potential US withdrawal from Niger could impact counterterrorism efforts in the region. US drone flights from an air base in Agadez, Niger, have been crucial in monitoring threats in the Sahel region, especially amid rising attacks in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
Russia's interest in Niger has intensified as US-Nigerien relations deteriorated. The Kremlin reopened its embassy in neighboring Burkina Faso in December, positioning itself closer to Niger's capital. Russia's ability to provide military equipment without stringent conditions and its faster arms sales have appealed to Niger, which is seeking immediate military support.
The US-Nigerien relationship has soured rapidly, with the US now facing limitations in providing support to Niger due to legal constraints following the coup. The rise of violent extremist organizations in Western Africa, including ISIS-Sahel and JNIM, has further complicated the security situation in the region.
With Russia exerting pressure and the US constrained in its assistance, Niger has tightened oversight on Western military presence while the Russian influence continues to grow, raising concerns about the US losing its foothold in northwest Africa.
