Niger: Effective withdrawal of US troops and dismantling of military bases

The US military has completed the withdrawal of its personnel from Air Base 101 in the Nigerien capital, Niamey.

In the coming weeks, this will be followed by the dismantling of a significant drone base, marking a pivotal step in the US military’s restructuring efforts in Niger.

Last Friday, a US general announced these developments, underscoring a key milestone in the reorganization of American forces in the region.

In April, Niger’s ruling junta ordered the United States to withdraw its troops from the country, affecting approximately 1,000 American military personnel stationed in Niger.

This decision reflects Niger’s intent to reassess foreign military presence on its soil, signaling a determination to regain full control over national security.

The effective withdrawal of US troops from Niger and the dismantling of military bases represent a significant shift in foreign military presence in the country.

This decision underscores Nigerien authorities’commitment to reclaiming complete control over national security, while also posing challenges for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region.

The next steps will be crucial in determining how Niger and its regional and international partners adapt to this new security reality.

Titi KEITA