What is Russia doing in Africa and what's the issue with the US? Why Haiti is taking note

By: Sulayman Touray

African nations have been under the powerful influence of their former European colonizers for centuries. They blame these same former colonizers for their impoverished state, so they feel their dependency on them is justified. Russia has a more positive image among Africans because it has never illegally invaded or enslaved them. So how does this relationship translate on the global stage between superpowers?

Heres how: It enabled Russian troops to crash the party at an air base in Niger that was playing host to Uncle Sam's finest (America), reported by a top-notch U.S. defense official. What triggered this impromptu visit? Well, Niger's military apparently sent out an eviction notice to the U.S. troops, totaling nearly a thousand soldiers. Ouch!

Why is Niger suddenly turning its back? They see a new partnership with Russia as a way to free themselves from the exploitation of their former colonizers. But is this alliance with Russia a free ride or just another attempt to dominate Africa under a different guise? Only time will tell, and it's up to Africans to decide in the end.

While the Russians have settled into the air base, they're not exactly cozying up to the American squad nearby. They have their own orders and agendas. It looks like tensions between the two nations are already stretched thin, like a rubber band nearing its breaking point.

But hold your horses, folks! This sudden turn of events has left the U.S. scratching its head about what to do with its swanky installations in Niger. Talk about a real estate dilemma!

In the meantime, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is playing it cool, assuring everyone that there's no need to panic. After all, the Russians are kept at arm's length, and American gear is safely under lock and key, so we claim.

While the embassies of Niger and Russia in Washington engage in a classic game of phone tag, the U.S. and its allies feel somewhat left out of the loop. It appears that African coups are following a similar playbook these days, with Chad and other nations also methodically cutting ties with the United States.

This still raises the question: Are these coups removing puppet governments strategically installed by former colonizers to replace them with more independent leadership supported by Russia? Or are they making a big miscalculation in judgement, no one knows at this point.

Some are even questioning: Should Haiti take note? Imagine the strategic advances Russia could make with a partnership with Haiti. It's a direct striking capability on the United States' doorstep, to say the least.

As Americans weigh the pros and cons, the question arises: who really needs Niger anyway, right? It's not like they're rolling out the red carpet for the good ol' U.S. of A. anymore. Maybe it's time for Uncle Sam to sever ties and ignite the "support bridge" all on our own. Who needs them when there's no benefit to be had, am I right?

We all wish it were that straightforward, but Niger's role in regional counter-terrorism efforts and stability is vital. As a key member of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G-5 Sahel, Niger offers the United States a strategic advantage in implementing preventative measures against terrorism. However, neglecting this could result in increased attacks or the emergence of new terrorist groups in Niger, potentially targeting the US in the future.

As the U.S. troops pack up and head home, America's military brains need to rethink their game plan. Maybe they'll find a new buddy in Africa. Or perhaps it's time to cozy up to Mali and take on Russia. Who knows? The entire world is turning into a battleground for these two superpowers.