The United States is on the verge of losing a key ally in the fight against terrorism in Africa.
In a significant shift, Russia has deployed troops to an airbase in Niger, where a small contingent of US forces remains.
This comes after Niger’s decision to expel the majority of US troops stationed in the capital, Niamey.
The move by Niger deals a blow to US counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara desert, where al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups operate.
The US Pentagon has confirmed the troop withdrawal but hasn’t provided a specific timeline.
The newly arrived Russian trainers are stationed on the opposite side of the airbase from the remaining US forces, minimizing interaction. This deployment coincides with heightened tensions between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war.
While roughly 1,000 US troops remain in Niger, most have relocated to a different base further north following a military coup last July.
The coup also prompted Niger to request the departure of French forces and seek security assistance from the controversial Russian mercenary group Wagner.
The US has condemned the coup in Niger, triggering restrictions on military aid.
Diplomatic efforts to mend relations have proven unsuccessful. Niger was previously seen as a crucial partner in the region, with the US investing heavily in its counterterrorism operations there.
The US is also considering scaling back its military presence in neighboring Chad, where elections are scheduled for May 6th.
The Pentagon insists the withdrawal from Chad is temporary, pending a review of security cooperation after the elections.
