US troops have officially finished withdrawing from their base in Niamey, the capital of Niger, and will leave their other base in Agadez before a September 15 deadline, officials from both countries announced on Sunday.
The withdrawal marks the end of a significant US military presence in Niger, where around 650 soldiers were stationed as part of anti-jihadist efforts in the Sahel region of West Africa. The troops were involved in missions aimed at countering extremist groups and operated a major drone base near Agadez.
A joint statement from Niger’s Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense confirmed the completion of the withdrawal. “The defense ministry of Niger and the US Defense Department announce that the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from the Niamey base 101 is now completed,” the statement said. The last flight carrying US troops from Niamey departed on Sunday night.
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Niger’s military rulers, who came to power in a coup in July 2023, had terminated the military cooperation deal with Washington in March. The US had about 950 troops in Niger, but 766 have already departed since the military rulers ordered their exit.
At a ceremony marking the end of the US presence in Niamey, Niger’s army chief of staff, Maman Sani Kiaou, and US General Kenneth Ekman were present. “American forces are now going to focus on quitting airbase 201 in Agadez,” the statement said. The US will complete this final stage of the withdrawal by September 15.
The withdrawal follows a broader trend in the Sahel region. Niger has also ended military cooperation with France, its former colonial power, and strengthened ties with Russia for military support. Additionally, Germany announced it would end operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31 due to stalled negotiations with Niger’s military leaders.
This situation shows similar developments in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where military-led governments have shifted alliances amid ongoing jihadist violence.