Protesters in Niger’s capital gathered on Saturday to demand the removal of U.S. armed forces personnel stationed in the country. This comes after Russia provided military equipment and instructors to Niger’s military.
The demonstration in Niamey is part of a trend in some countries in the region, where military juntas have turned to Russia for assistance in fighting extremist groups, severing ties with Western nations.
About 1,000 American military personnel are stationed at a drone base in Niger to track extremist groups, but cooperation was suspended last summer when mutinous soldiers took power.
The United States is in discussions with Niger about its military presence, but the arrival of Russian instructors and an air-defense system has further complicated the situation.
Niger’s democratically elected president is currently detained, and the demonstrators in Niamey waved Russian flags in support of Russian assistance in fighting insurgents.
The protest called for the American troops to leave, highlighting the need for partners to combat terrorism effectively.
Despite public calls for U.S. troops to leave, ministers in Niger’s government are privately seeking to revise their security partnership with the United States.
Niger’s alliance with Russia dates back years, but recent tensions with the United States have led to a shift in partnerships in the Sahel region.
Western diplomats and analysts note the changing dynamics in the region, with Niger facing pressure to choose between American and Russian alliances.
Eric Schmitt contributed reporting from Washington.
