The Pentagon, in conjunction with Nigerien defense officials, has set a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger, aiming for completion by mid-September. This decision culminates four days of negotiations in Niamey.
Until a coup last year Niger had been a key partner in Washington’s fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.
The drawdown involves fewer than 1,000 American personnel predominantly stationed at an airbase near Agadez, situated some 920 kilometers from the capital.
Since 2013, Washington has invested heavily in the Agadez base and training Nigerien’s military. In July, the ruling military junta asked French troops to withdraw, and the junta subsequently approached Russia’s Wagner Group for security assistance.
Subsequently, the United States officially recognized the military takeover as a coup, triggering restrictions on military support and aid to Niger.
The U.S. delegation, led by Chris Meier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, along with Niger’s military representation led by Col.-Maj.The delegations outlined protection and security during the withdrawal of U.S. troops. In addition, they establish procedures for entry and exit of U.S. personnel, including overflight and landing clearance for military flights.
While Russian forces have been operating from the same bases where U.S. forces have withdrawn, U.S. officials have said they believe it is unlikely that U.S. equipment will fall into Russian hands.
The withdrawal’s completion date is set for September 15, allowing ample time for the drawdown of troops and equipment, including MQ-9 Reaper drones. In the interim, the U.S. will relocate most of the approximately 100 forces deployed in neighboring Chad, with the expectation of future negotiations regarding the revision of the agreement for U.S. troops’ presence there.
Relevant articles:
– US troops to leave Niger by mid-September., bbc.com, 05/21/2024
– US reaches agreement with Niger to withdraw military forces by September 15, CNN, 05/20/2024
– US military will complete withdrawal from Niger by mid-September: Pentagon, Fox News, 05/19/2024
– US to complete withdrawal from Niger by September 15, The Times of India, 05/19/2024
– Pentagon announces US troops’ withdrawal from Niger will be finalized by mid, The PiPa News, 05/19/2024
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