US Troops Ordered to Leave Niger Following Military Agreement Cancellation
After the new leaders of Niger demanded the withdrawal of American and French troops following the ousting of Western-backed president Mohamed Bazoum, the US military has formally ordered its 1,000 combat troops to leave the country. The cancellation of a 2012 military cooperation agreement led to the decision to pull out from Niger.
With Russian forces already stationed at the same airbase as American troops in Niamey, the Pentagon is relocating its troops to another base within the region. The removal of US troops from Niger marks a significant shift in military operations, as the country’s new leaders view their presence as illegal and unfavorable.
Niger has also sought to strengthen defense cooperation with Russia and neighboring countries, signing agreements to assist each other in the event of a military attack. This strategic realignment demonstrates a shifting landscape in the Sahel region, as Western influence decreases, and new alliances are forged.