The United States has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, an American official confirmed on Monday. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that a small number of military personnel remain in Niger solely to guard the US Embassy.
This decision follows Niger’s ruling junta’s move earlier this year to end an agreement that allowed US troops to operate within the West African nation. By mid-September, the US had fulfilled its commitment to withdraw, as outlined in a joint statement from both countries.
The US handed over its remaining military bases in Niger to local authorities last month. However, approximately two dozen American soldiers stayed behind for administrative duties related to the withdrawal, Singh noted.
The departure of US forces from Niger represents a significant shift in Washington’s strategy in the Sahel region, a critical area for counterterrorism efforts against groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The US and France, who together had more than 2,500 troops in the region, have been heavily involved in military assistance and training to combat these insurgencies.
Niger had previously been seen as a key partner in the fight against growing jihadi threats in the region. However, in recent months, the country has increasingly aligned itself with Russia for security support. In April, Russian military trainers arrived in Niger to strengthen the country’s air defences.
