Niger Wants US Base Gone as Iran and Russia Gain Influence

(NewsWorthy.news) – Amid tension between the United States and Niger, the American government is pushing to keep its presence in the African nation despite resistance from Niger.

There are currently a thousand members and contractors of the United States military serving in the country at an anti-terror drone base. The location, Airport 201, has ceased flying missions into Iraq and targeting al Qaeda terrorists in the area since July 2023, when Niger’s government was taken over via a military coup.

As some reports suggest that the American military presence could be overpowered by Russian influence, there is concern that Iran is pushing to purchase uranium from mines in Niger. Additionally, some have shared that a retreat from the nation by the United States could lead to the expansion of the Islamic military movement jihad through West Africa as well as increased influence from Russia in the continent.

Jasmine Opperman, a security and extremist consultant based in Africa, told Fox News Digital that Niger is not the only African nation trying to limit the influence of the United States. She also noted that resistance to American influence is seen as an “opportunity” by Russia to “expand its [own] influence” in the region.

Michael Langley, a Marine Corps general with the United States African Command, recently warned that Russia is working to “trade security assistance” with Africa in order to obtain the continent’s “natural resources.” Langley added that Russian President Vladimir Putin accomplishes this task through “disinformation and propaganda.” He also emphasized the need for the United States to remember the “threat al Qaeda and ISIS pose in Africa.”

The concerns raised by officials and experts come days after the government of Niger announced its decision to end an agreement it held with the United States, permitting military and civilian staff from working in the country. This decision followed shortly after major talks with officials from both nations.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Niger’s military said that the move was inspired by focusing on the “aspirations and interests of its people.” The nulled agreement was said to take “immediate effect,” although the American military has not yet pulled out of Niger.