U.S. and Russian military share airbase in Niger.

 FRENCH AND U.S. FORCES ASKED TO LEAVE SEVERAL CENTRAL AFRICAN COUNTRIES

RUSSIAN FORCES MOVING IN

This week 60 Russian military personnel arrived in the Niger 101 airbase. The United States has 2 bases in Niger the 101 and the 201 which cost over $100 million. The government of Niger has asked the U.S. to remove its forces from the country. Chad has also asked the U.S. to remove its troops from their country.

Recently French troops have been asked to leave neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. It is expected that U.S. troops will also be asked to leave. The United States has 29 bases in Africa.

Russian troops have also arrived in Mali. It seems that these countries believe they will get a more promising deal for security and training from the Russians.

The present situation in Niger may be awkward as the relations between the Russia and the United States is at an all time low. The United States has 1000 troops in this base but it is assured that the two forces are not in contact with each other and are housed in separate areas. A two star U.S. general is expected to arrive shortly and arrange for the departure of the U.S. troops from this base.

In recent years many African countries are attempting to remove all former colonial European influence from the continent. The overthrow of the Government of Libya and the murder of  Muammar  Gaddafi, a popular figure, by NATO forces, mostly French and U.S. air power, kindled an alienation to western countries in many African countries. This, coupled with economic and infrastructure opportunities from China and security training and assistance by Russia is changing the alliances in much of Africa.

It appears that this trend will continue and escalate as more of these countries are expected to join the BRICS economic alliance.