US Troops Withdraw from Niger
US troops have completed their withdrawal from their base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, and will fully depart from Agadez in the north before a September 15 deadline set by the country’s military rulers, both nations announced.
After a coup in July 2023, Niger’s military leaders terminated a military cooperation deal with Washington in March.
The United States had approximately 650 soldiers in Niger as part of anti-jihadist missions in several Sahel nations of West Africa, including a major drone base near Agadez.
“The defence ministry of Niger and the US Defence Department announce that the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from Niamey base 101 is now completed,” the two countries stated on Sunday night, July 7.
A final flight carrying US troops was scheduled to leave Niamey late Sunday.
The US presence had been around 950 troops, and 766 soldiers have left Niger since the military ordered their departure, according to AFP at a ceremony attended by Niger’s army chief of staff Maman Sani Kiaou and US General Kenneth Ekman.
“American forces are now going to focus on leaving Airbase 201 in Agadez,” the statement said, emphasizing that the withdrawal would be completed by September 15 as planned.
Niger had already ordered the withdrawal of troops from France, the former colonial power, and has strengthened ties with Russia, which has provided instructors and equipment.
Additionally, Germany’s defence ministry announced over the weekend that it would end operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31 following the breakdown of talks with military leaders.
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