The US has officially completed its withdrawal from Niger, following demands by the country’s military rulers for their departure. A joint statement by the Pentagon and the Nigerien defense ministry announced that the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Coordination Element, which included a two-star general officer and staff, has left Niger as well. This process began on May 19 after both sides agreed to withdrawal conditions.
The US had approximately 1,000 troops stationed in Niger, where it constructed a $100 million military base in 2016, using the landlocked nation as a crucial location for its counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region. However, in March, the new government that came to power after overthrowing pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023 terminated the defense agreement allowing American soldiers and civilian contractors to operate there, citing their failure to defeat jihadist militants as a reason.
In May, the US Department of Defense agreed to complete the pullout of forces no later than mid-September, having previously insisted on finding a way to maintain its military presence in Niger. The Pentagon and its Nigerien counterpart stated that the safe, orderly, and responsible withdrawal was completed without complications by the mutually decided date of September 15, 2024.
This development coincides with the German military’s withdrawal from Niger late in August, ending an eight-year security mission. The EU state had no agreement on cooperation with Niamey’s military government. Niger’s new leadership has followed the example of allies in Burkina Faso and Mali, severing ties with former colonial ruler France and forcing French troops to leave the country late last year. All three military governments have sought to develop defense cooperation with Russia as part of the Alliance of Sahel States.