The Biden administration announced on Friday that more than 1,000 American military personnel will be leaving Niger in the coming months, marking a significant shift in U.S. counterterrorism and security policy in the Sahel region of Africa.
The decision comes after Niger’s government expressed its intention to revoke its military cooperation deal with the United States, opting instead to turn towards Russia for security and Iran for potential deals on uranium reserves. The failure of Niger’s military government to outline a path back to democracy also played a role in the decision.
American diplomats had been working to salvage a revamped military cooperation deal with Niger, but ultimately failed to reach a compromise. The talks collapsed amidst growing anti-U.S. sentiment in the country, with thousands of protesters in the capital calling for the withdrawal of American forces.
Niger’s rejection of military ties with the United States follows a trend in the Sahel region of countries breaking ties with Western nations in favor of partnerships with Russia. The withdrawal of French troops, who have led counterterrorism efforts in the region, has also contributed to this shift.
Discussions will begin soon to plan an “orderly and responsible withdrawal” of American forces from Niger, a process that is expected to take months to complete. The future access of the United States to its air base in Niger is uncertain, with the possibility of Russian advisers and air forces moving in.
The Pentagon has been considering establishing new drone bases in coastal West African countries as backups to the base in Niger. However, the loss of Niger as a strategic military asset will be challenging to replace, according to current and former security and diplomatic officials.
Overall, the withdrawal of American forces from Niger represents a significant change in U.S. foreign policy in the region and could have far-reaching implications for security and counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.
