U.S. to Withdraw Troops from Niger Following Coup

On Monday, May 20th, the United States announced an agreement to withdraw its troops from Niger by September 15th. This decision follows Niger’s military government’s declaration that the presence of U.S. forces is illegal. Approximately 1,000 American military personnel will be evacuated, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Niger relations and counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.

The withdrawal comes after the Nigerien military junta, which seized power in a coup last year, ordered all foreign troops to leave. The junta has already expelled French forces and is now strengthening ties with Russia. In a joint statement, the U.S. Defense Department and Niger’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed the withdrawal timeline and assured the safety of U.S. troops during the process.

“The withdrawal of American forces from Niger in no way affects the pursuit of relations between the United States and Niger in the area of development,” the joint statement said. Despite the military pullout, both nations expressed a commitment to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to shape future bilateral relations.

U.S. officials have started the withdrawal process, prioritizing the removal of sensitive, lethal, and hazardous equipment. Some less critical equipment may be left behind for the Nigerian military. The Pentagon has stressed the importance of maintaining a relationship with Niger, citing the country’s pivotal role in U.S. counterterrorism efforts over the past decade.

The departure of U.S. forces follows a series of negotiations to ensure a secure and orderly exit. “Both delegations confirmed the guarantees of protection and security to the American forces during their withdrawal,” the statement added. The U.S. delegation was led by Chris Meier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, while Colonel Major Mamane Sani Kiaou represented Niger.

The withdrawal underscores a broader regional trend as several West African nations, including Burkina Faso and Mali, have pivoted towards Russia for security support. This realignment has sparked concerns in Washington, D.C. about increasing Russian and Iranian influence in the region.

Niger’s public opinion has historically been opposed to foreign military presence, with an Afrobarometer survey in 2022 showing about two-thirds of Nigeriens disapproved of foreign forces securing the country. The recent coup and subsequent orders for foreign troops to leave align with this sentiment.

As U.S. forces prepare to leave Niger, the future of the bilateral relationship remains uncertain. Both countries have indicated a willingness to explore areas of mutual interest beyond military cooperation. The coming months will reveal how these diplomatic efforts evolve and what impact they will have on regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in West Africa.