On Friday, the German army completed its withdrawal from an airbase in Niger, with its final troops returning home.
The departure marks the end of Germany’s military presence in the Sahel nation.
An interim agreement allowed German forces to use the airbase in Niamey until August.
However, talks to extend the agreement failed, mainly due to the loss of immunity from prosecution for base personnel.
German and Nigerien military officials announced the withdrawal’s completion, emphasizing that this does not end military cooperation.
Both nations remain committed to maintaining their military relations.
Five cargo planes, carrying 60 German troops and 146 tonnes of equipment, landed at Wunsdorf air base, where they were welcomed by Defence Secretary Nils Hilmer.
Germany had operated the Niger base since February 2016.
Niger’s military government, in power since July 2023 after a coup, has distanced itself from Western allies, aligning more with Russia and Iran.
This shift mirrors changes in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, also ruled by military leaders.
