U.S. military personnel have completed their withdrawal from their base in Niger’s capital of Niamey and are scheduled to fully depart from Agadez in the north before a September 15 deadline set by Niger’s military leaders, officials from both nations confirmed on Sunday.
After seizing power in a July 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders officially scrapped a military cooperation deal with Washington in March, marking a significant shift in their diplomatic relations.
At its peak, the United States had about 650 soldiers stationed in Niger for anti-jihadist missions in several Sahel nations of West Africa, with a significant drone base operational near Agadez.
“The defense ministry of Niger and the U.S. Defense Department have jointly announced the completion of the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from Niamey’s base 101,” the two countries stated in a joint statement.
The final flight transporting U.S. troops was scheduled to depart from Niamey late Sunday.
According to AFP, the U.S. presence had totaled around 950 troops, and 766 soldiers have departed Niger since the military instructed their withdrawal.
This statement was revealed during a ceremony at the base, where Niger’s army chief of staff Maman Sani Kiaou and U.S. General Kenneth Ekman were present.
“American forces will now prioritise the withdrawal from airbase 201 in Agadez,” the remark declared, affirming that the departure will be completed by September 15 as initially scheduled.
Recently, Niger had instructed the withdrawal of troops from France, its former colonial power and longstanding security partner, citing a shift in its strategic alliances.
Germany’s defense ministry declared on Saturday that it would terminate operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31, due to the failure of negotiations with the military leadership.
A comparable shift has occurred in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are governed by military leaders and grappling with violence from jihadist groups.
Meanwhile, Niger has strengthened its relationship with Russia, which has provided both military instructors and advanced equipment.