Niamey: Niger and the United States have formalized an agreement to withdraw American troops from the West African nation, with the process slated for completion by September 15. This development follows a demand from Niger’s ruling junta for the nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel to leave the country.
Before the coup last year, Niger had been a vital ally in Washington’s efforts to combat insurgents in the Sahel region, where violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The agreement, forged after a five-day commission between Niger’s defense ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense, includes measures to ensure the protection of U.S. troops until their exit and outlines procedures to facilitate the movement of American personnel during the withdrawal process.
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“The Ministry of Defence of Niger and the U.S. Department of Defense recall the common sacrifices of the Nigerien and American forces in the fight against terrorism and welcome the mutual efforts made in building up the Nigerien armed forces,” they said in a joint statement.
“The withdrawal of American forces from Niger in no way affects the pursuit of relations between the United States and Niger in the area of development. Also, Niger and the United States are committed to an ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”
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The decision to expel U.S. troops came after a mid-March meeting in Niamey, where senior U.S. officials voiced concerns about the anticipated arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium, in Niger. Since then, Russian military personnel have reportedly entered an air base in Niger that is currently hosting U.S. troops.
This significant shift highlights the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and underscores the complexity of international relations in the Sahel, a region already beset by conflict and instability. The continued diplomatic dialogue between Niger and the United States aims to navigate these challenges and redefine the future of their bilateral relations.
