The US military has completed its withdrawal from Niger, according to a statement released Monday by US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
This move follows demands from Niger’s new military leaders for the departure of American troops.
Over 1,000 US personnel were stationed in Niger as part of anti-terror operations across West Africa.
This included a significant drone base near Agadez. The military presence was part of a broader effort to combat militant groups in the Sahel region.
Niger’s military leaders terminated a military cooperation agreement with the United States after seizing power in a coup on July 26, 2023.
This coup ousted the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The US withdrawal, which began in May, concluded on the agreed date of September 15, 2024.
AFRICOM confirmed that the process was conducted safely and responsibly.
In recent years, Niger has been crucial in US and French counter-terror strategies.
However, since the coup, Niger’s new regime has shifted its alliances towards Russia, Turkey, and Iran, while expelling Western forces.
Niger has faced ongoing violence from armed groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, as well as Boko Haram.
