In a recent development, US troops are pulling out of Niger, leaving behind a mixed morale among the servicemen. Major General Kenneth Ekman stated that the withdrawal from Air Base 101 in Niger is nearly complete, with a farewell ceremony planned for the last aircraft’s departure on Sunday.
After the US troops depart, the Nigerien government will take control of the former US areas and facilities, marking a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics. The new government’s decision to ask the US troops to leave stems from dissatisfaction with the US’s assistance in combating jihadi militants in the Sahel region.
Despite the incomplete US pullout, Russian instructors have already been deployed to Air Base 101 to train Niger’s military. This move highlights the changing geopolitical landscape in the region.
Major General Ekman emphasized the emotional impact of the pullout on US troops, with uncertainty fueling a range of emotions from laughter to tears. The US will now focus on clearing Air Base 201, a drone facility near Agadez. The withdrawal from this facility is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in August.
Overall, the departure of US troops from Niger is seen as an unfortunate development in Washington-Niamey relations, with the US servicemen leaving the bases in good condition to preserve future security options for both nations. The changing dynamics in Niger also include the severance of ties with France, signaling a shift in regional alliances.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pledged continued support to Sahel countries to strengthen regional security, underlining the evolving security landscape in the region.\
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