The United States has officially pulled its troops out of Niger after 11 years of defence cooperation, ending a relationship that saw the US establish military bases for counterterrorism operations. The collapse of ties between the two countries came in March when Niger’s military government cancelled a security agreement and ordered US troops to leave by September 15.
The withdrawal of US forces is seen as a setback for Washington’s influence in the Sahel region of West Africa, as it now looks to build new partnerships amidst limited options due to its rivalry with Russia. With the absence of US troops, AFRICOM is turning to countries like Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana for possible cooperation.
The exit of US forces signals a shrinking of American military influence in West Africa, with the region facing increasing security threats from armed groups. Meanwhile, some countries have expressed concern over heightened US presence, reflecting a broader sentiment against foreign military involvement in the region.
As the US pivots to new allies, experts suggest a need for a more collaborative and less intrusive approach to maintain stability and security in the region.
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