US Military Seeks New Strategies in West Africa Following Niger's Partnership with Russia

The U.S. military is exploring alternative plans for its presence in West Africa following Niger's decision to expel American forces in favor of a partnership with Russia. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting Africa to discuss potential opportunities to reposition U.S. capabilities in the region. Brown mentioned ongoing collaborations with several West African countries, which might provide options for relocating some capabilities previously based in Niger.

While specific countries were not named, a U.S. official indicated that initial talks have been held with Benin, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. However, the U.S. is unlikely to replicate its extensive counter-terrorism operations in Niger, particularly the significant loss of Air Base 201 near Agadez, constructed at a cost of over $100 million. The withdrawal from Niger is proceeding as planned, with about 600 troops remaining at Air Base 101 in Niamey, and no large-scale relocation of U.S. troops is expected.

The political instability in West and Central Africa, marked by eight coups in four years, complicates U.S. efforts in the region. Juntas in countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are less inclined to cooperate with Western nations and increasingly turn to Russia, which faces fewer constraints in its engagements.

The U.S. military is reassessing its objectives amidst these rapid changes. Despite the withdrawal, Brown expressed hope for maintaining future security relations with Niger, leveraging the existing diplomatic presence to potentially rebuild military ties if circumstances allow. The threat from Islamist groups in the Sahel region remains a significant concern, as the U.S. adapts its strategy to address evolving geopolitical dynamics.