The United States has begun the process of withdrawing its military forces from Niger Republic, following directives from the West African nation’s military leadership.
This significant move marks the end of an era of American military presence in Niger and is scheduled for completion by September 15, 2024.
According to a joint press release issued by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland and the US Department of Defense on Sunday, the decision came after extensive discussions between both parties held from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
The meetings aimed to ensure an orderly and safe withdrawal of US forces from the region.
The discussions, led by high-ranking officials, included Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier, and the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Army, Colonel-Major Mamane Kiaou.
The negotiations emphasized transparency and mutual respect.
“Representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger met from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Republic of Niger, as part of a Joint Disengagement Commission, to coordinate the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger,” the statement read.
“These discussions between the militaries were conducted in complete transparency and with perfect mutual respect between the two parties.”
Key among the withdrawal sites is the strategically significant $110 million drone base in Agadez.
This base has been a pivotal location for US military operations, including manned and unmanned surveillance flights.
Despite the military disengagement, both nations affirmed their commitment to ongoing diplomatic dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly counterterrorism efforts.
“The U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of Niger have reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun.
It is therefore agreed that this disengagement will end no later than September 15, 2024.
“Both delegations confirmed the guarantees of protection and security to the American forces during their withdrawal.
The delegations also established procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of U.S. personnel, including overflight and landing clearances for military flights,” the statement continued.
The US initially established a military presence in Niger to combat armed groups aligned with al-Qaeda and ISIL operating in the Sahel region, including neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali.
The primary airbase in Agadez, located about 920km from Niamey, has been a crucial site for surveillance and military operations.
On April 19, 2024, the US announced plans to withdraw its troops due to Niger’s growing alignment with Russia and its distancing from Western powers.
This decision followed Niger’s shift under military rule since July 2023.
Consequently, the US Department of State agreed to pull out approximately 1,000 troops from the country.
Despite the withdrawal, the statement assured that US-Niger development relations would continue unabated.
“The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”
Dr. Peter Afunaya, Director of the DSS’s Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, confirmed the operation and emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the two nations to ensure a smooth transition.
