Faith Nyasuguta
The United States has started withdrawing its troops from Niger, as confirmed in a joint statement from the defense ministries of both countries over the weekend. The statement detailed the initial phase of this transition, marked by the departure of a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024.
“The US Department of Defense and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defense announce that the withdrawal of US forces and assets from Niger has progressed from initial preparations to redeployment,” the statement read. It was noted that some US forces have already returned to their home bases after completing their missions. Simultaneously, a small contingent of US military personnel arrived in Niger to facilitate the withdrawal process from Air Bases 101 and 201.
The US and Niger had agreed to complete the withdrawal of US troops by September 15. Currently, there are an estimated 1,100 US personnel in Niger. The withdrawal was initiated in March after a Nigerien military spokesperson announced that the country’s transitional government, which took power in July 2023, had terminated the military agreement with the US, citing the interests of the Nigerien people.
An intriguing development during this period is the cohabitation of American troops with Russian trainers at the airbase. According to a US official, Air Base 101 in Niamey hosts international troops, including those from Germany, alongside US forces.
Addressing concerns from Honolulu, Hawaii, the US Secretary of Defense clarified that the Russians are stationed in a separate compound within the airbase and have no access to US personnel or equipment. He emphasized the safety of US troops, assuring that the situation would be closely monitored through ongoing surveillance.
Talks between Niamey and Washington began in late April, marking the start of discussions regarding the withdrawal of US troops from the two airbases in Niger. While the Pentagon has announced the imminent departure of US troops, a precise timeline has yet to be provided.
This strategic realignment in the Sahel region involves relocating the majority of US troops from Niamey to Air Base 201 near Agadez, which is approximately 920 kilometers from the capital.
This move follows significant political upheaval in Niger, where mutinous soldiers overthrew the democratically elected president last July. In the aftermath, the ruling junta expelled French forces and sought security assistance from the Russian mercenary group, Wagner.
As the US withdraws its troops, the dynamics in Niger and the broader Sahel region continue to shift, reflecting the changing political and security landscape. The careful coordination and monitoring of this withdrawal indicate the hardships involved in maintaining regional stability amid evolving international relations.
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