Germany’s Bundeswehr has officially ended its eight-year mission in Niger with the withdrawal of its final soldiers.
The last 60 troops were evacuated from the air base in Niamey and returned to Germany late Friday. German and Nigerien Defense Ministry representatives confirmed the completion of the withdrawal in a signing ceremony.
A second jet transported equipment back to Germany. The Niamey base, previously staffed by up to 120 personnel, functioned as a logistics hub for the UN’s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission until late 2023.
In total, around 3,200 German soldiers were deployed in the region during the mission.
West’s Influence Diminishes in Sahel as Russia Gains Ground
Niger, once a dependable ally for Europe and the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts, has been under the control of a military junta since last year’s coup.
Following the junta’s rise to power, Berlin decided in July to withdraw its troops, citing a lack of cooperation with the new regime.
Following the trend set by other Sahel nations under junta rule, Niger’s new leaders have sought Russian support, aiming to break away from Western influence.
Niger is hosting several Russian “military trainers” in Niamey, mirroring moves by neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also turned to Moscow.
Germany, which withdrew troops from Mali in July 2023, hopes its former air base in Niamey will continue serving as a humanitarian logistics hub.
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