Niger Expresses Interest in Hosting Russian Military Base

Niger is prepared to host a comprehensive Russian military base on its territory, as reported by the Russian newspaper Izvestia.

The country's honorary consul, Ado Ero, stated that Niger is keen on the presence of a Russian military installation to help reduce the frequency of terrorist attacks.

The development comes as the United States began withdrawing its forces from Niger on June 8.

This move follows an agreement reached in mid-May, ending a longstanding military presence. In March, Niger terminated a military agreement with the United States that had established a drone base in the northern part of the country.

The Nigerien authorities argued that the agreement was imposed and did not align with the interests of the Nigerien people.

At the end of 2023, about 1,100 American military personnel were stationed in Niger, primarily at an airbase near the city of Agadez.

The termination of the US agreement and the potential establishment of a Russian base signifies a significant shift in Niger's international military alliances.