Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
03 May 2024 | 10:50 a.m. SAST
1-minute read

Image: AP

Protestors in Niger have taken to the streets to demand the immediate departure of US troops from the north, after Niger’s military junta announced its decision to withdraw from a military accord with Washington.

This morning, reports indicate that Russian soldiers entered Airbase 101, that is housing US troops in the country’s capital, Niamey.

Oswald Hanciles, founder of the Slave Ship—Freedom Ship movement and former special assistant to the former president in Sierra Leone, told Radio Islam that the motivation behind the move could be driven by a desire to gain more control over their natural resources.

The move is seen as Niger’s attempt to diversify its partnerships and secure better deals for its abundant uranium reserves.

“They want to play the game, a game to gain a little bit more for their natural resources, which they have in, I think, uranium, they have that in abundance, and they need to get a better deal,” Hanciles said.

This strategic manoeuvring echoes Cold War-era tactics, where African nations frequently shifted alliances between superpowers to maximise their gains.

Russia is seeking to improve relations with countries on the African continent, citing its distance from colonial domination.

Hanciles acknowledged Russia’s historical support for liberation movements in Africa but remains sceptical about its ability to provide substantial assistance given its own economic challenges.

“Russia was supporting the liberation movements in East Africa and South America and South Africa… [However], given the reality of the global dynamics now, real reality, Russia itself has not been able to develop its economy to help Russia in spite of enormous natural resources,” Hanciles said.

The arrival of Russian troops at Airbase 101 places American and Russian troops uncomfortably close to each other at a time when tensions between the nations are running high over the Ukraine conflict.

Reports indicate that while the United States has not taken a decision about the future of US troops in Niger, plans are in place for US forces to return to US Africa Command’s home bases in Germany.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.