Russian Trainers Reinforce Niger's Air Defenses Amid Shifting Alliances

• Russian trainers in Niger for air defense training.

• Niger's junta disavows U.S. presence, accuses of pressuring.

• U.S.-Niger relations strained after coup by U.S.-trained forces.

Supporters of Niger's ruling junta, gather for a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference, in Niamey, Niger, Aug. 3, 2023. A top Pentagon off

AP

Russian military trainers have recently arrived in Niger to bolster the country's air defenses, signaling a shift away from its previous close cooperation with the United States in counterterrorism efforts. The trainers were seen arriving in Niger aboard a plane carrying military supplies, as shown on state television. Their mission is to provide training to the Nigerien army on the use of military equipment and to enhance military cooperation between Russia and Niger.

Niger's ruling military council, known as the CNSP, has not yet ordered American troops to leave the country. However, the presence of Russian forces complicates the situation for U.S. forces, diplomats, and civilians in Niger, raising questions about the future of joint Niger-U.S. counterinsurgency operations.

Previously, Niger was considered a key partner by the United States in the fight against insurgencies in the Sahel region. The U.S. had invested significantly in an airbase in Niger and in training its forces to combat militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. However, relations soured after a coup last summer led by some of the U.S.-trained forces.

Following a recent visit by a U.S. delegation, the junta in Niger declared flights from the U.S.-built airbase illegal and disavowed the American military presence in the country. The junta accused the U.S. of pressuring Niger to choose between partners, particularly Russia and Iran.

A senior U.S. official mentioned that discussions were ongoing to reassess military cooperation with Niger, aiming to address concerns and interests from both sides. Meanwhile, the arrival of Russian trainers and military supplies is part of Niger's efforts to diversify partnerships and assert greater sovereignty, particularly over its airspace.

The move to enhance air defenses with Russian support is seen as a strategy by Niger's military leaders to reclaim sovereignty and potentially foster cooperation between the U.S. and Russia in Niger. However, experts suggest that such cooperation is unlikely given the geopolitical dynamics at play.

Niger and neighboring countries have been grappling with a growing insurgency since 2012, involving groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State militants. The presence of U.S. troops in Niger, which included surveillance operations and support for local forces, has been significant in the fight against these extremist groups.