Mystery U.S. military jet lands in Niger Republic amid Russia’s growing influence

A United States military aircraft made an unexpected landing in Niger’s capital on Wednesday, fueling speculation of a potential shift in diplomatic and military ties between Washington and the country’s ruling junta.

The DHC Dash 8-200, reportedly originating from the U.S. military base in Sigonella, Italy, made a brief stop in Benghazi, Libya, before heading to Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport.

The arrival comes just months after Niger’s military leaders expelled American and French forces, signaling a break from Western alliances.

The timing of the flight has raised eyebrows, coming just a day after a Russian military jet landed in Agadez before continuing to Niamey. With Russia’s influence growing in the Sahel, some analysts believe the U.S. aircraft’s presence could indicate behind-the-scenes negotiations, intelligence-sharing, or even emergency military cooperation.

Neither Nigerien authorities nor the U.S. Department of Defense have commented on the flight, leaving many to wonder whether this signals a quiet thaw in relations—or a high-stakes geopolitical chess game unfolding in the region.

(Zagozola Makama)