US Troops to Withdraw from Niger as Military Leaders Seek Closer Ties with Russia
NIAMEY — In a significant development, all US soldiers are preparing to depart from Niger, marking the end of their involvement in the battle against Islamist insurgents.
Military authorities in the West African nation have pivoted towards strengthening their relationship with Russia since ousting the government in a coup last year.
The US has also confirmed the closure of its drone base near Agadez, located in the vast expanse of the Sahara desert.
Niger, situated in Africa’s Sahel region, is now recognized as the new global epicenter of the Islamic State group.
For years, the US has utilized Niger as a primary hub for monitoring jihadist activities in the region.
An American delegation is scheduled to depart for Niger’s capital, Niamey, in the coming days to coordinate the orderly withdrawal of over 1,000 troops.
The decision announced on Friday comes after discussions in Washington between US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
This move is viewed as a setback for the Biden administration, which had been reluctant to pull out troops.
The $100 million (£80 million) US military base in Niger was established just six years ago and has been instrumental in the joint US-French efforts to combat militant groups in West Africa.
However, Niger’s relations with Western nations deteriorated following the coup, prompting military leaders to seek enhanced security partnerships with Russia.
Recent reports indicate that numerous Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger, introducing an advanced air defense system to the region.
In addition, Niger has distanced itself from neighboring democracies and is forging stronger regional alliances with junta-led countries like Burkina Faso and Mali.
The trio has withdrawn from ECOWAS, the West African regional body that condemned their military takeovers, and have also exited the French-backed G5 Sahel force, citing inefficiency and a perceived infringement on African sovereignty. They have established their own defense pact named the Alliance of Sahel States. — BBC
