Russian soldiers entered the airbase in Niger

Russian soldiers in Niger entered the air base where US soldiers are located in the capital Niamey.

Arrival of Russian Soldiers in April

Russian military trainers arrived in Niamey in April following a phone call on March 26 between Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Omar Tchiani, who governs Niger, discussing ‘ensuring security and combating terrorism.’ The Nigerien media reported that Russia would assist in establishing its air defense system to ensure full control of the country’s airspace.

Shift in Niger’s Military Relations

Following the coup in Niger last July, the junta governing the country expelled French soldiers. The junta administration agreed to increase military cooperation with Russia in January, and terminated the military agreement with the US made in 2012 last March. While the US still has around a thousand military personnel in Niger, their movements have been restricted since the coup.

After the coup, the US relocated its soldiers from the air base in Niamey to Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez. The exact number of military personnel remaining at the capital’s air base and the type of military equipment there is unknown.