US lawmakers fear Russia’s influence in Africa after Niger junta cancels security pact

Washington fears loss of bases in Niger would risk the country following its neighbours and falling under Russian hegemony

US policymakers are scrambling after the ruling military junta in Niger cancelled a mutual security pact that could lead to American forces being expelled, stirring fears of a loss of vital influence to Russia in west Africa.

In a setback for Washington's counter-terrorism strategy against Jihadist groups in the region, Niger announced last weekend that it was revoking the pact, which had been in force since 2012. There are about 1,000 American military and civilian personnel in Niger.