Oddbean

Red Notice: Putin is Nearby ========== Russia's influence in Niger Republic is growing as they replace the United States and France as the strategic influence in the region. The military junta in Niger has expelled American military advisers and shut down a U.S. drone and surveillance base, while showing a Russian military advance party around the former American base. This marks a shift in power dynamics in West Africa, with Russia preparing to establish a strategic military and security presence in the region. The exit of Western powers from Niger leaves Nigeria exposed to jihadist terrorist expansion from the Sahel. The political response in Nigeria has been lacking, with little action taken to prevent the coup in Niger or to counter the growing Russian influence. The possibility of Western military bases in Nigeria has been met with opposition, particularly from northern political voices, despite the region being most exposed to the consequences of the withdrawal of Western forces. The author argues that Nigeria should rise above regional narrow views and protect the nation from jihadist insurgency, remain enlisted in the international effort to defeat terrorism, and act in concert with the free world to discourage Russia's promotion of authoritarianism. #Russia #NigerRepublic #WestAfrica #Influence #Military #JihadistTerrorism #WesternPowers #Nigeria https://www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com/red-notice-putin-is-nearby/