The US is losing access to its bases in Niger – that's why this can be a big deal

The United States was forced to suspend its military operations in March 2024 in Niger – a landlocked West African country within the Sahara. Niger may not look like a serious U.S. ally at first glance, but it surely has served as a crucial base for the U.S. military to work and reply to terrorism within the region.

U.S. officials are currently attempting to negotiate an agreement to take care of some form of military presence in Niger. But for now, Niger's recent ruling junta has said the U.S. military presence poses a threat Violation of Niger's structure. The fate of the US presence, including two military drone bases, stays uncertain.

In July 2023, Niger Military carried out successfully A rise up and overthrew the democratically elected government. Military leaders arrested President Mohamed Bazoum and announced an end to the structure and government. The coup plotters established their very own government, a military junta called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, to run the country – although the president still refuses to step down.

Niger is a former French colony and was until recently home to 1,500 French troops, most of whom all withdrew by December 2023. As the military junta drove out the French troops, initially allowed the USA to proceed operating the bottom. But in March 2024 it ordered the USA to withdraw.

Although roughly 1,000 US troops remain in NigerThe prospects for the US maintaining its current presence and reactivating drone bases aren’t promising. Apart from the military junta, hundreds of Nigerians took part large-scale protests Call for US military withdraws.

As an extra complication Russian military personnel have arrived in Niger in April 2024 to coach Nigerian Armed Forces. They delivered military equipment and stated that they planned to construct one Air defense system in Niger. This deployment is a component of the increased military cooperation with Russia that Niger is looking for.

As Experts in US military operationsWe consider it is evident that the loss of those bases poses problems US regional interests in Africa and cedes ground Russia and China. This puts the US in a disadvantageous position for creating political influence in Africa.

Why the US has military bases in Niger

The USA has a military presence in several countries African countries.

In Niger, the US had two military bases, Air Base 101 and Air Base 201, and was the primary to accomplish that Drone operations in 2013.

While Niger is one in every of the poorest countries on the earthIt is geographical location and natural resources have increased their importance for world powers. Niger's location particularly gives the USA the chance to take part in the fight against terrorism in large parts of West Africa.

It has been increased political rebellion and violence on this region of Africa lately. Have drones from Air Force Base 201 increasingly monitored and data collected about it the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. The USA monitors the activity within the Lake Chad Basin, which incorporates Niger's neighboring countries Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.

The impact of the lack of base in Niger

Since the military coup in Niger, the country has turn into increasingly isolated from others. The governments of France and the United States have cut aid to Niger, and the European Union and Nigeria have all cut their aid Economic sanctions imposed.

In response, Niger's ruling junta has strengthened its military Cooperation with Russia and Iran.

If U.S. forces are fully withdrawn from Niger, it could also present opportunities for China to extend its influence there. In recent years, China was one in every of them Niger's most vital trading partner. In 2022, China absorbed about 9% of Nigeria's exports and accounted for 22% of Nigeria's imports.

The USA accounts for a comparatively small share Niger's total trade.

Why the US is constructing military bases in Africa

The United States, China and Russia have all created a growing military footprint in Africa over the past twenty years.

Before 2001, US aid was to Africa focused on goals comparable to eradicating HIV/AIDS and creating more educational opportunities for youngsters.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001 within the USA and those that followed War on TerrorismThe United States continued to conduct health and other operations in Africa, but additionally increased its military presence there. President George W. Bush's administration sought to eradicate al-Qaeda affiliates and other extremist movements in Africa and elsewhere. African countries that were targets of al-Qaeda terrorism also experienced one Increasing the share of US military aid They received.

In 2007, the US Department of Defense unified its work in Africa by making a recent command called Africa Command, or AFRICOM. Under AFRICOM, the U.S. military has done this trained, advised and supported the militaries of other African countries and has also attempted to combat militant groups comparable to Boko Haram.

China established its first everlasting foreign military base in Djibouti in 2017. It is now reportedly attempting to arrange one other one Equatorial Guinea. Beyond military bases, China has invested billions of dollars economic development across Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, which goals to develop recent things Trade routes for China.

The U.S. has also worked with China to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa and promote stability on international shipping routes.

Russia, meanwhile, used the Wagner Group, a state-financed private military organization, to do that Providing military assistance and negotiating recent economic agreements with African leaders. After a failed mutiny by the Wagner Group and the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group in Africa was renamed the Africa Corps and continues much of this work in Africa.

The interest of those countries in recent construction Military bases in Africa is predicated on their desire to advertise their interests and secure access to business and security resources.

An unclear path ahead

The US is now in search of alternatives to its lost drone bases in Niger, but there are few options within the region that supply each They are allied with the USA and haven’t any military government. While the US has and may cooperate with them previously influence Nations where the military also runs the federal government, generally the United States within the post-Cold War era joins democratic countries.

Furthermore, this might be the case if US rivals comparable to China and Russia gain influence within the region costlier for the USA to construct recent military bases in Africa. Research shows When host states have a selection of major powers to cooperate with, more economic incentives are needed to win their favor. That is, it will not be clear to what extent the US can maintain a presence in West and Central Africa.