Yesterday, United States completed its withdrawal from its last military base in Niger, marking the end of a key chapter in its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region. This withdrawal follows a mandate from Niger’s ruling junta, which came to power after a coup last year, to remove nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel from the country.
The U.S. handed over control of Air Base 201 in Agadez to Nigerien authorities, a move that follows the earlier turnover of Air Base 101 in Niamey, the capital. These bases were central to U.S. counterterrorism missions targeting extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The handover was completed ahead of schedule due to effective cooperation and communication between the U.S. and Nigerien armed forces.
The departure of U.S. troops from Niger is a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics. Niger was seen as a key ally for Western nations in their efforts to combat growing jihadist insurgencies in West Africa. The U.S. and France, along with other European countries, had invested heavily in military assistance and training in Niger.
The U.S. military presence in Niger was primarily focused on counterterrorism operations, with Air Base 201 serving as a critical hub for drone operations that provided intelligence on various terrorist groups. Built at a cost of $110 million, the base became operational in 2019 and was instrumental in monitoring activities of groups such as Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), which operates across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The withdrawal comes as Niger’s military junta has increasingly turned to Russia for security support, distancing itself from Western allies. Russian military trainers have arrived in Niger to help bolster the country’s air defenses. This shift in alliances has broad implications for the region, as Niger’s strategic location and resources, particularly uranium, make it a focal point for international interest.
The loss of the U.S. bases in Niger is seen as a blow to American counterterrorism efforts. The bases provided a crucial platform for operations throughout West Africa, and their closure will complicate efforts to gather intelligence and conduct missions against extremist groups. Without these bases, U.S. drones will have to operate from much further away, such as from bases in Italy or Djibouti, significantly reducing their time over target and operational effectiveness.
Tensions between the U.S. and Niger escalated following the 2023 coup that ousted the democratically elected president. The Biden administration officially declared the takeover a coup in October, leading to a halt in military and foreign assistance to Niger. Subsequent meetings between U.S. representatives and Niger’s ruling council failed to resolve differences, particularly regarding Niger’s engagements with Russia and Iran.
The situation remains fluid as the U.S. explores alternatives to maintain its counterterrorism capabilities in West Africa. Discussions with other nations in the region are ongoing, but no new agreements have been finalized. The shift underscores the challenges faced by Western nations in maintaining influence and counterterrorism operations in a region increasingly looking towards other global powers for support.
Orange = Niger
Green = USA
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