The Biden administration announced on Friday that more than 1,000 American military personnel will be leaving Niger in the coming months, marking a significant shift in U.S. counterterrorism and security policy in the Sahel region of Africa.
The decision comes after Niger’s military government decided to revoke its military cooperation deal with the United States, following a series of contentious meetings with American diplomatic and military officials. The country has also turned towards Russia for security and Iran for potential deals on its uranium reserves, further straining its relationship with the U.S.
American diplomats had been working to salvage a revamped military cooperation deal with Niger’s military government, but ultimately failed to reach a compromise. The talks collapsed amid growing anti-U.S. sentiment in the country, with thousands of protesters in the capital calling for the withdrawal of American armed forces personnel.
Niger’s rejection of military ties with the United States follows a similar trend in the Sahel region, where countries are increasingly partnering with Russia instead of Western nations. The withdrawal of American troops from Niger will have significant implications for U.S. security operations in the region, as well as for Niger’s strategic position as a partner to Washington.
The Pentagon is reportedly considering establishing new drone bases in coastal West African countries as backups to the base in Niger, which is landlocked. However, the loss of Niger as a strategic military asset will be challenging to replace, according to security and diplomatic officials.
As the U.S. prepares for an “orderly and responsible withdrawal” of forces from Niger, the future of American military presence in the region remains uncertain. The move underscores the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region and the challenges facing U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa.
