US Commences Gradual Withdrawal from Key Sahel State

The process of withdrawing troops from Niger has been initiated by the US, as announced by the US Department of Defense Africa Command in a joint statement with its Nigerien counterpart on Saturday.

The first phase commenced on Friday with the departure of a US Air Force Globemaster III transport plane from Air Base 101 in Niamey.

Additionally, the DOD has deployed a group of US personnel to provide logistical support and ensure a smooth withdrawal process. Some US troops have already returned to their home bases after redeploying from Niger, according to the statement. In March, Niger terminated defense cooperation with the US due to the perceived lack of assistance from the American contingent in combating jihadist militants in the Sahel region.

Nigerien PM Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine later disclosed that the US had threatened Niamey with sanctions and cautioned against strengthening ties with Iran and Russia.

Niger’s recent change in government occurred when President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power in July 2023. Following this, Niamey decided to cut ties with France, its former colonial ruler. France completed the withdrawal of its military forces from the country late last year, while the United States is set to finish its withdrawal by September.

The US has committed to executing a “safe, orderly, and responsible withdrawal,” as stated by the Department of Defense on Friday. Some individuals in Washington have expressed concerns that the withdrawal process may resemble the chaotic exit from Afghanistan in 2021.

Congressman Matt Gaetz voiced his apprehensions last month, urging the administration to prioritize the safety of American troops during the withdrawal. Meanwhile, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are enhancing their collaboration as part of the Alliance of Sahel States, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He mentioned that the three Sahel states will seek “African solutions to African problems.”