NIAMEY, Niger – The government of Niger and the United States Department of Defense have announced the completion of the first phase in the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from the West African nation.
The announcement was made at a ceremony in Niamey, Niger’s capital, where documents were signed transferring U.S. military assets to the Nigerien army. The event was attended by American Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon and other civil and military officials from both countries.
According to Colonel Mamane Sani Kiaou, the Chief of Staff of the Niger Army, the agreement calls for the removal of all American military resources from the country, including those stationed in Niamey, Agadez, Ouallam, and Diffa. This phase of the withdrawal is set to be completed by September 15th.
Following the handover of Air Base 101 in Niamey, the U.S. will now focus on withdrawing from its second major facility, Air Base 201 in Agadez City. Both Nigerien and American officials have pledged to ensure a safe, orderly, and responsible pullout of U.S. troops and equipment from the region.
The phased withdrawal marks the end of the American military presence in Niger, which has been in place for several years as part of the country’s counterterrorism efforts. The departure of U.S. forces comes amid evolving security challenges in the Sahel region and a growing emphasis on local capacity building.
Share
Tell me more
What are the key factors driving the U.S. withdrawal from Niger, and how might it impact regional security?
How does the U.S. withdrawal from Niger align with its broader counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel region?
What are the potential challenges the Nigerien government may face in assuming control of the former U.S. military assets?