As U.S. troops prepare to leave Niger, they are currently sharing an airbase with Russian trainers, according to a U.S. official.
The multinational base in Niamey, known as Airbase 101, also hosts German troops.
U.S. Secretary of Defense confirmed this arrangement during a press briefing in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Thursday (May 2nd).
He clarified that while U.S. forces are stationed at the Nigerien Air Force base within the capital city alongside an international airport, the Russian trainers are situated in a separate compound without access to American troops or equipment.
The Secretary emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety and protection of U.S. forces and expressed no significant concerns regarding force protection at the moment.
Meanwhile, there have been weeks of protests in Niger demanding the departure of U.S. troops.
Negotiations between Niamey and Washington began in late April for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from two airbases in the country, although a specific timeline has not been provided by the Pentagon.
The repositioning of U.S. presence in the Sahel region involves relocating most U.S. troops from Niamey to Airbase 201 near Agadez, approximately 920 kilometers (550 miles) away from the capital.
This shift occurred after a military coup in July ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, prompting changes in strategic partnerships.
The Agadez base has been pivotal for U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, facilitating manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations.
The U.S. has heavily invested in training Niger’s military since commencing operations there in 2013, with over 1,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country last year.
Additionally, the Pentagon announced the relocation of most forces deployed in neighboring Chad as part of an ongoing review of security cooperation.
This move is temporary and will resume after Chad’s presidential election on May 6th.
