US Military Confirms Niger Troop Withdrawal in September

The withdrawal of US troops from Niger, which began in June, will be finalized by mid-September

General Kenneth Ekman, head of the operation, confirmed this during a press conference in Abidjan. He stated, “The withdrawal is running smoothly, ahead of schedule, thanks to excellent cooperation with our Nigerien counterparts.”

Growing Threat in the Sahel

General Ekman warned of the growing violent extremist threat in the Sahel region, which increasingly threatens neighboring countries.

He specifically mentioned Ivory Coast, where the US is evaluating the possibility of strengthening military cooperation. “We want to work with the Ivorian forces in their existing bases to consolidate partnerships,” he said, referring to the north of the country, bordering Burkina Faso and Mali, where the jihadist threat is strongest.

He dismissed the idea of building a US base in Odienné, in northwest Ivory Coast, saying, “Why build if something already exists?” He emphasized responding to the “concerns” of the local population.

Withdrawal Progress

In early July, US troops completed the withdrawal of all personnel from Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger. This was the first of two US bases to be evacuated at the request of the Nigerien military junta that came to power in a military coup on July 26, 2023.

US Africa Command (Africom) announced the withdrawal’s completion after a ceremony that formalized the departure of the troops. The last plane to leave was an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport plane. About 200 soldiers remain at the 201 air base in Agadez and will leave the country in the coming weeks, as agreed with the authorities in Niamey.

Reflecting on the Mission

Air Force Major General and Africom Director of Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Kenneth Ekman expressed gratitude for the orderly and safe withdrawal of US troops.

“Today we reflect positively on the last 15 years of security cooperation and sacrifice shared by US and Nigerien forces,” Ekman said. He added that the US will need to adapt its “presence and activities in West Africa to pursue mutual security objectives.”

Transition and Agreement

The transition to abandon the 101 air base began on May 19, when the US and Niger signed a document establishing the withdrawal terms.

In April, the Niger junta ordered Washington to withdraw its nearly 1,000 soldiers stationed in the country. The withdrawal will be concluded by September 15, as US and Nigerien defense authorities agreed during the Joint Disengagement Commission meeting in May.

Both delegations confirmed guarantees of protection and security for US forces during their withdrawal, acknowledging the “common sacrifices of Nigerien and US forces in the fight against terrorism.”

The withdrawal does not affect the continuation of development relations between the US and Niger. Both countries remain “engaged in diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”

Background and Tensions

The Biden administration announced in May that it had started “discussions for an orderly and responsible withdrawal” from Niger after the military junta canceled the military cooperation agreement with the US, in effect since 2012.

Relations between the US and Niger have been tense since the junta took power following the July 26 coup that ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently under house arrest.

The US has maintained a military presence in Niger since 2012, with most personnel stationed at the Agadez drone base, which cost about $110 million to build.

Before the coup, the US military provided training, intelligence, and equipment to Nigerien troops. After the coup, activities were limited to ensuring the safety of US troops. The new Niger government also ordered the departure of over 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger, who completed their withdrawal last October.

Final Verdict

The US troop withdrawal from Niger is set to be completed by early mid-September

This move comes amid rising security challenges in the Sahel and changing diplomatic relations following the military coup in Niger. The US will continue to adapt its strategy in West Africa to meet mutual security goals while maintaining diplomatic and development relations with Niger.

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