The United States is set to withdraw all its forces and equipment from a minor base in Niger, with the remaining troops scheduled to depart from a crucial drone base in the West African nation by August, according to the American commander.
This move comes in compliance with a deadline set by the new ruling junta for September 15.
As reported by The Associated Press, Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman revealed that several small teams of 10-20 U.S. troops, including special operations forces, have already been relocated to other West African countries. However, the majority of the forces are expected to be initially stationed in Europe.
The removal of American troops from Niger, following a coup last year, has significant implications for the U.S. The troops are being compelled to abandon a critical drone base that was instrumental in counterterrorism missions in the Sahel. Ekman, along with other U.S. military leaders, has indicated that other West African nations are keen to collaborate with the U.S. and may be open to an expanded American presence. While he did not specify the locations, other U.S. officials have suggested Ivory Coast and Ghana as potential sites.
Ekman, who also serves as the director for strategy at U.S. Africa Command, is overseeing the U.S. military withdrawal from the small base at the airport in Nigers capital, Niamey, and from the larger counterterrorism base in the city of Agadez. He announced that a ceremony on Sunday will mark the completion of the pullout from the airport base, after which the remaining 100 troops and the last C-17 transport aircraft will depart.
In contrast to the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Ekman stated that the U.S. will not be destroying equipment or facilities as it leaves Niger. He emphasized that the aim is to "leave things in as good a state as possible." He further added, "If we went out and left it a wreck or we went out spitefully, or if we destroyed things as we went, wed be foreclosing options for future security relations.
The ruling junta in Niger ordered U.S. forces to leave the country following the ouster of the country's democratically elected president by rebellious soldiers last July. French forces were also asked to leave as the junta sought security assistance from the Russian mercenary group Wagner. This move underscores the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, with traditional Western allies being replaced by non-traditional actors, a development that could have far-reaching implications for global security and the balance of power.
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