The United States has agreed to withdraw its forces from the West African nation of Niger, as confirmed by a state department official to CBS News. In a meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerian Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, they committed to initiating conversations in Niamey to plan an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. This decision comes amid concerns about jihadist violence in the region, where local groups have pledged allegiance to al-Qaida and the Islamic State groups.
Niger has played a significant role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, with approximately 1,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in the country. The U.S. has invested heavily in training Niger’s military and has utilized a major airbase in Agadez for surveillance flights and other operations. However, relations between Niger and Western countries have deteriorated since a military coup last July, prompting the junta to request French forces to leave and seek security assistance from Russia instead. Russian military trainers have since arrived in Niger to reinforce air defenses and train Nigeriens to use Russian equipment.
The U.S. officially designated the military takeover in Niger as a coup, triggering restrictions on military support and aid that can be provided to the country. In an effort to address concerns from both sides, a U.S. delegation traveled to Niger in March to hold discussions at senior levels and explore the possibility of reaching an agreement. The decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Niger comes as part of this ongoing dialogue between the two countries and reflects a shift in security dynamics in the region.
Thousands of people in Niger’s capital Niamey recently demonstrated to demand the immediate departure of American soldiers deployed in the country. The protests highlight the growing opposition to foreign military presence in Niger and the changing landscape of security partnerships in the region. By withdrawing its forces from Niger, the United States is responding to both internal and external pressures, as well as adapting to the evolving security situation on the ground.
The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger raises questions about the future of security cooperation in the region and the impact on counterterrorism efforts. As Niger shifts its security alliances towards Russia, it remains to be seen how this change will affect the broader security landscape in the Sahel region. The decision to withdraw U.S. forces reflects a recalibration of foreign military presence in Niger and signals a reevaluation of security priorities in the region. Ultimately, the withdrawal of American troops from Niger represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in West Africa.
