This week, the Pentagon issued a formal directive for the withdrawal of all 1,000 U.S. combat troops from Niger, marking a significant shift in the United States’ counterterrorism operations and its strategic stance in West Africa.
The decision follows an announcement made in April by the U.S. to commence planning for “an orderly and responsible withdrawal.” This came in response to the Nigerien military junta’s decision to terminate its military cooperation agreement with Washington. Despite ongoing negotiations with the junta regarding the terms of the withdrawal and the potential for some troops to remain, the recent directive from the Defense Department has set a timeline for the departure of U.S. forces over the coming months. However, an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that this timeline is subject to change, with congressional negotiations still in progress.
The long-expected move effectively marks a new regional gain for Russia, which has ramped up its focus on Africa and backed military regimes in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. This April, Military instructors and personnel from Russia’s defence ministry arrived in Nigér, signaling that the West African country is building closer relations with Moscow like its junta-led neighbours. The military instructors are bringing an air defense system and will train the Nigerien troops.
The US troops are expected to relocate to other areas within the region where they can continue operations. Notably, the withdrawal does not affect embassy security personnel.
The move disrupts longstanding counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, where Niger, and specifically the U.S.-constructed drone base at Agadez, has been central to U.S. strategy. The base’s importance has been underscored since last summer’s coup, which saw the Nigerien military seize government control.
The U.S. presence in Niger has also served as a counterbalance to Russia’s expanding influence in the area. Following the coup, Russian military personnel, including those previously affiliated with the Wagner group, have been reported to be present at Base 101 in Niamey, where they have been co-located with American forces. While there is no immediate threat reported, concerns persist over the potential for these Russian fighters to engage in provocative actions against U.S. personnel.
In light of these developments, a U.S. delegation, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and other senior officials from various departments, is currently in Niger. They are conducting discussions with the junta about the withdrawal process, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and maintain regional stability.
Niger was long a linchpin in the US and French strategy to combat jihadists in West Africa. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March 2023 became the highest-ranking American ever to visit Niger, vowing economic support for one of the world’s poorest countries and seeking to bolster elected president Mohamed Bazoum, a stalwart Western ally.
But the military four months later sacked Bazoum and quickly kicked out troops from former colonial power France. The Sahel region has been plagued by jihadist activity, leading to instability and coups in Niger and neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which have now formed a military alliance. The Nigerien army’s overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum last July, citing security concerns, and the subsequent departure of French troops, mark a significant shift in the country’s military and foreign policy.
Meanwhile, in the wake of a recent coup in Niger, the United States and France are actively exploring alternative countries to host their drone bases for counter-terrorism and surveillance missions. The coup in the West African nation has led to a significant reevaluation of their military presence in the region.
General James Hecker, the US Air Force commander for both Europe and Africa, said late last year that the United States was in discussions for “several locations” elsewhere in West Africa to station drones.
While not publicly asking to station drones, the United States has pursued close cooperation with coastal democracies including Benin, Ghana and Ivory Coast in view of possibly locating a drone base.
Western governments feared that the remote Sahel will offer a new hub for Islamist militants after jihadists overran much of Mali in 2012 as part of a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs.