
In a major diplomatic shift in West Africa, Russian military trainers arrived this week in Niger. Russia’s deployment comes just as Niger distances itself from its longstanding partnership with the U.S. in the region. Two Russian trainers were shown on Nigerian state television stating their mission to train the Nigerian army and develop new military cooperation between Russia and Niger.
Until very recently, Niger has been a crucial ally for the U.S., particularly in combating insurgencies linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. The U.S. has invested millions in training and equipping Niger’s forces, as well as in constructing an airbase central to American operations in the Sahel region. However, the relationship has deteriorated rapidly since a coup last summer led by elements of these very forces.
The Arrival Of Russian Troops In Niger Will Reshape America's Regional Calculations https://t.co/49Wkjkrgdq
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) April 14, 2024
Following a failed diplomatic visit by top U.S. officials, who were reportedly snubbed by Niger’s military junta, Niger’s leaders have publicly ended the bilateral agreement that permitted U.S. military operations from their soil. This announcement clearly rejected U.S. warnings against engaging with Russian and Iranian interests, reflecting a growing sentiment in Niamey for greater sovereignty and diversified partnerships.
John Lechner, an Africa analyst, suggested that the arrival of Russian air defenses could be seen as a move by Niger to assert control over its airspace, complicating any remaining U.S. operations. Former Western allies in the Sahel region are increasingly turning to Russia, which is offering military protection without the same political conditions often required by Western powers.
This pivot toward Russia by Niger and similar moves by its neighbors highlight a significant realignment in the Sahel. The region, which has seen a spate of coups in recent years, is becoming a focal point in the struggle for influence between major global powers. Russia became involved in Niger shortly after it expanded its presence in Mali and Burkina Faso in the region.
The U.S. and France have invested heavily in anti-terrorism operations across the Sahel and find themselves at a strategic crossroads. With the French forced to withdraw completely and the U.S. reconsidering its footprint, the vacuum left is swiftly being filled by Russian forces. These developments shift the balance of military power and influence the diplomatic landscape, potentially altering how counterterrorism operations are conducted in the region.