IN a significant development for security operations in the Sahel, the United States has revealed plans to withdraw troops from Niger, a move experts say will have far-reaching implications for regional stability. The announcement, made by US officials on Saturday, underscores a shift in Washington’s military engagement strategy in the region.
According to US officials, the decision to withdraw troops from Niger comes amidst efforts to renegotiate a new military agreement. The agreement, reached between Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, signals a shift in bilateral relations and marks the beginning of planning for the withdrawal process.
‘While no timeline has been provided for the withdrawal, an American delegation will soon be dispatched to coordinate the details,’ stated a US State Department email to The Associated Press.
Niger holds strategic importance for US military operations in the Sahel, serving as a crucial hub for counterterrorism efforts in the region. The country hosts a major US air base in Agadez, utilised for manned and unmanned surveillance flights, as well as other operations. Additionally, the US has invested significantly in training Niger’s military since establishing operations in 2013.
However, recent political upheaval in Niger has strained relations between the West and the ruling military junta. Since the ousting of the democratically elected president in July, Niger has turned to Russia for security assistance, signalling a shift away from Western alliances.
Peter Pham, former US special envoy for the Sahel region, warns that the loss of access to air bases in Niger will pose a significant setback for US and allied security operations. ‘In the short term, they will be hard to replace,’ Pham remarked, noting the likely withdrawal of European Union military presence following the US departure.
The rupture in US-Niger relations could also impact development and humanitarian aid funds destined for Niger, exacerbating challenges in a country grappling with various indicators of well-being, according to Pham.
However, local activist Insa Garba Saidou remains optimistic about the potential for future US-Niger cooperation. Saidou suggests that negotiations could pave the way for the return of American troops, as the ruling junta seeks to maintain a positive relationship with the US.
Looking ahead, Hannah Rae Armstrong, a senior consultant on Sahel peace and security, emphasises the need for a new engagement approach that prioritises accountability and human rights. ‘The US should depart from the failed counterterrorism cooperation model of the past decade,’ Armstrong stated, urging continued collaboration with other states in the Sahel on shared interests.
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