The United States has agreed to withdraw its troops from Niger, as the West African nation is turning towards Russia and away from Western powers. The decision to pull out about 1,000 troops comes as Niger has been under military rule since July 2023. The US Department of State agreed to begin planning an “orderly and responsible” withdrawal of its troops from the country, following a meeting between US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. This withdrawal comes after the US built a military base in Niger to combat armed groups pledging allegiance to al-Qaeda and ISIL in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali.
The major airbase in Agadez, known as Air Base 201, was built at a cost of over $100m and has been used for manned and unmanned surveillance flights targeting ISIL and an al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). Despite maintaining communication with the military government in Niger, the US military has been preparing for the possibility of withdrawal, with General James Hecker exploring alternate locations in West Africa to station drones. Nigerien state television reported that US officials would visit the country next week, but no public announcement or timeline for withdrawal has been set by the State Department.
Niger has chosen to distance itself from post-colonial forces, leading to protests in the capital demanding the departure of US forces. The ruling military in Niger, as well as in Mali and Burkina Faso, have expelled French and European troops following military takeovers. In turn, all three countries are seeking support from Russia, with Moscow sending military trainers, an air defence system, and other military equipment to Niger. The shift towards Russia for security ties is a reflection of the population’s refusal to align with Western powers.
The Sahel region, comprised of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and other countries, is not only home to armed groups pledging allegiance to terrorist organizations, but it is also an important route for drug trafficking. The United Nations reported a significant increase in the amount of cocaine seized in the region, highlighting the growing influence of drug trafficking in the conflict-ridden Sahel. The departure of US troops from Niger reflects a broader trend in the Sahel region, with countries turning to Russia for security support as they navigate challenges posed by armed groups and drug trafficking.
Overall, the withdrawal of US troops from Niger signifies a shift in the country’s security alliances, as it turns towards Russia and away from Western powers. The decision to withdraw troops comes amid protests in the capital demanding the departure of US forces and reflects a broader trend in the Sahel region of nations seeking alternative security partnerships. The presence of armed groups pledging allegiance to terrorist organizations and the increase in drug trafficking in the Sahel region underscore the challenges faced by these countries and the importance of robust security partnerships.
