The United States has initiated a gradual transition to withdraw its military presence from Niger, marking a significant shift in its operations in West Africa. This decision follows a formal agreement between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger, with a target withdrawal deadline of September 15th. The phased exit began on Friday, with U.S. forces and equipment starting to leave Niger after months of delays due to the ruling military junta's slow approval of necessary flight clearances.
Niger has been a crucial hub for U.S. military operations in the Sahel region, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts against violent extremist groups. The U.S. has utilized Nigerien bases, such as Base 101 in the capital, Niamey, to conduct surveillance missions and deploy MQ-9 Reaper drones. Additionally, American forces have been instrumental in training Nigerien troops, aiming to bolster the local military's capacity to combat regional threats.
However, the political landscape in Niger dramatically changed following a coup in July, which led to the suspension of the U.S. training mission and strained diplomatic relations. The Biden administration has consistently called for a return to democratic governance, urging the junta to outline a clear path to free and fair elections. Despite these efforts, the junta's stance remained firm, eventually demanding the withdrawal of U.S. forces earlier this year.
The process of withdrawing has been complicated, primarily due to the need to secure and transport sensitive military equipment. A source familiar with the matter emphasized that removing such equipment was the U.S.'s top priority. Last month, an agreement was reached that provided a four-month window for the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 U.S. personnel and their equipment. This development culminated in the arrival of U.S. C-17 cargo aircraft in Niamey on Friday, as tracked by flight monitoring websites, to facilitate the evacuation of personnel and equipment.
The departure of U.S. forces from Niger is occurring against a backdrop of increasing Russian influence in the region. Russian forces have reportedly begun operating from the same base previously used by U.S. troops, highlighting the geopolitical shift. This proximity and the growing cooperation between Niger's military junta and the Kremlin have been points of contention for the U.S. In January, Russia and Niger announced plans to strengthen their military ties, a move that has intensified concerns within the U.S. administration about Russia's expanding footprint in Africa.
This week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Burkina Faso underscored Russia's efforts to bolster its influence in West Africa. Lavrov announced an increase in the number of Russian military instructors in Burkina Faso, signaling a broader strategy to expand Russia's military presence across the continent. Earlier this year, Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, warned Congress about Russia's aggressive maneuvers to establish a foothold in African nations, suggesting that several countries were at risk of falling under Russian sway.
Despite hopes for continued cooperation between the U.S. and Niger based on years of collaborative efforts against regional extremist threats, recent developments suggest a bleak outlook. A U.S. defense official indicated that meaningful relations with Niger's current leadership are unlikely, especially with the persistent and growing Russian influence. The U.S. withdrawal from Niger not only marks the end of a significant military engagement but also reflects broader geopolitical shifts in West Africa, with Russia poised to fill the vacuum left by departing American forces.
