Russian Influence In Niger Grows As US Future Uncertain
As first world nations jockey for influence in Africa’s developing countries, the strength of the U.S. in Niger is decidedly decreasing. Russian experts and equipment just arrived in the nation on the heels of reports that visiting American officials offended their hosts.
It is widely expected that U.S. troops will depart from Niger, though it is unclear if they will be forced to leave.
What is clear is that American influence in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso is on the wane. Russia’s military strengthened its presence in all three Central African nations even as China sought to expand its foothold on the continent.
The arrival of Russian forces is yet another clear signal that Niger is breaking away from U.S. support for its anti-terrorism program.
State television showed a pair of Russian trainers who exited a plane loaded with military supplies. They wore military uniforms along with face coverings and caps, and spoke to the audience in French.
One of the trainers announced, “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.”
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 have not ordered U.S. military forces to leave the country, but many expect that action soon. With Moscow securing a foothold in the Central African nation, it will be difficult for American personnel to remain.
This marks a reversal from the recent past in which the U.S. enjoyed a partnership with Niger in the volatile region. Washington invested millions in the construction of a military airbase in the desert that functioned as the hub for its peacekeeping efforts.
Everything changed last summer when elite forces trained by U.S. personnel carried out a coup of Niger’s elected leaders. The new regime did not continue the previously cozy relationship.
This will undoubtedly affect the country’s efforts to restrain al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups operating in the region.
Niger and its neighboring states endured much turmoil at the hands of these insurgents.
The ruling junta strongly indicated last month that it was displeased with the U.S. presence in the country. Leaders announced that flights from the desert base were banned and that the U.S. military was no longer recognized.
State officials were also upset by Washington’s warning against cooperation with Russia or Iran. They claimed that the U.S. was attempting to strongarm the country into choosing between allies.