United States troops have completed their withdrawal from their base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, and will fully depart from Agadez in the north before the September 15 deadline set by the country’s military rulers, both countries announced Sunday.
According to AFP, Niger’s military leaders annulled a military cooperation agreement with Washington in March, following their seizure of power in a coup in July 2023.
The United States had deployed approximately 650 soldiers in Niger as part of anti-jihadist missions across several Sahel nations in West Africa, including operating a significant drone base near Agadez.
“The defence ministry of Niger and the US Defence Department announce that the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from the Niamey base 101 is now completed,” stated both countries in a joint statement.
A final flight carrying US troops was scheduled to depart Niamey late Sunday.
The US military presence in Niger was around 950 troops, and 766 soldiers have already exited the country since the military ordered their departure, AFP learned during a ceremony at the base, attended by Niger’s army chief of staff Maman Sani Kiaou and US General Kenneth Ekman.
“American forces are now going to focus on quitting airbase 201 in Agadez,” the statement read, emphasizing that the withdrawal would be finalized by September 15 as planned.
Niger had previously instructed the withdrawal of French troops, the former colonial power and a traditional security ally, and has since strengthened ties with Russia, which has provided instructors and equipment.
On Saturday, Germany’s defence ministry announced it would cease operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31, following the breakdown of discussions with the country’s military leaders.
