"Niger Protests and Russian Arrival Signal Shift Away from US Military Presence"

Hundreds of protesters in Niger marched to demand the departure of US troops following the military government's decision to end a military accord with the US and welcome Russian military instructors. The crowd waved flags and chanted anti-American slogans, echoing similar protests that led to the withdrawal of French forces last year. The military government's shift in strategy also includes fostering closer ties with Russia, raising concerns about the potential for permanent foreign military bases in Niger.