Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets of Niger's capital, Niamey, demanding the withdrawal of United States troops from the country. The protest comes after the military government terminated a military accord with the US and embraced Russian military instructors, marking a significant shift in strategic alliances.

Marching through central Niamey, the protesters waved Nigerien flags, drawing parallels to the anti-French protests that led to the withdrawal of France's forces from Niger last year following a military coup. One protester's handwritten sign boldly proclaimed, "USA rush out of Niger," expressing support for the military government's decision to revoke the agreement that permitted around 1,000 US military personnel to operate on Nigerien territory from two bases.

Maria Saley, a participant in the protest, stated, "We're here to say no to the American base, we don't want Americans on our soil." The crowd echoed their sentiments, chanting slogans like "Down with American imperialism" and "The people's liberation is on the march."

Previously, Niger had been an important security partner for both France and the US. The country served as a base for international efforts to combat a decade-old rebellion in the Sahel region of West Africa. However, following the coup, Niger suspended its military agreement with the US. As of December, the US had approximately 650 military personnel stationed in Niger, mainly operating from an airbase in the city of Agadez, located about 920 km (572 miles) from Niamey.

The Agadez base, costing over $100 million, has been integral in carrying out surveillance flights and other operations in the region. In recent years, it has been used to target ISIS fighters and the al-Qaeda affiliate group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), in the Sahel region.

France, another former ally, had previously agreed to withdraw its troops last September following the July coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. In a similar vein, the new authorities in Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, have ended military agreements with Western allies, departed from the regional political and economic bloc ECOWAS, and are now actively seeking closer ties with Russia.

The recent arrival of Russian military instructors and equipment further underscores the military government's inclination towards cooperation with Moscow, which aims to strengthen its influence in Africa. Although a few Russian flags were visible during the protest, some citizens expressed concerns about the potential establishment of Russian foreign military bases in Niger.

"We must not subsequently see the implementation of Russian foreign military bases," warned Abdoulaye Seydou, coordinator of the M62 coalition of civil society groups that led anti-French protests last year. These anxieties were echoed by student Souleymane Ousmane, who cautioned against foreign countries occupying large parts of Niger through military cooperation.

As of now, it remains uncertain if and when US troops will depart from Niger, leaving the protesters' demands unanswered. The situation continues to evolve as Niger redefines its geopolitical alliances amidst a changing global landscape.