
Hundreds took to the streets on Sunday in protest against the presence of US troops in Niger, a country under military rule, as a delegation from Washington is expected to arrive soon to arrange for an orderly withdrawal.
hThe United States recently announced its decision to withdraw over 1,000 soldiers from Niger, where they had established a $100 million base for drone operations.
The demonstration occurred in the northern desert town of Agadez, which houses a US air base. The protest was organized by a coalition of 24 civil society associations that have supported the ruling regime since last year’s coup.
One of the prominent banners at the protest read, “This is Agadez, not Washington, US army go home.” Issouf Emoud, representing the M62 Movement in Agadez, delivered a clear message, stating, “Our message is clear: American soldiers pack your bags and go home.”
Emoud had also previously organized demonstrations calling for the departure of French forces, which withdrew last year.
Niger has played a crucial role in the US and French efforts to combat jihadist groups in West Africa.
However, the Nigerien military announced last month its decision to terminate a defense agreement with the United States, citing imposition and the illegality of the US troop presence.
According to civil society leader Amobi Arandishu, the US military deployment in Niger “is of no use for our security” as armed groups continue to pose a threat in the region.
He pointed out that various foreign powers, including Russians, Americans, Germans, and French, have their own interests in the area.
After the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup last July, the junta expelled French troops before the end of 2023. Recently, Russian military instructors arrived in Niger with an air defense system and other equipment following talks between military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This US troop withdrawal marks a new regional gain for Russia, which has been increasingly active in Africa, supporting military regimes in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. The evolving dynamics in Niger highlight the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.