The US has started pulling military equipment and personnel out of Niger after waiting for the ruling military junta to approve US military flights into the country. This comes ahead of a September 15 withdrawal deadline agreed upon by the two countries. The US priority was to remove sensitive equipment from Niger, with US C-17 cargo aircraft en route to Niamey to withdraw military equipment and personnel from Base 101.
Last month, the US and Niger agreed on the withdrawal of American forces from the country, giving the military four months to pull out approximately 1,000 US personnel and military equipment. The relationship between the US and the military junta became strained as the Biden administration called for free and fair elections following the coup in Niger. Despite efforts to maintain a military presence, the military junta requested the withdrawal of US forces, and an agreement allowing for the removal of personnel and equipment was only recently reached.
Russian forces have moved in as the US prepares to withdraw, operating at the same base as US forces. This has caused concern about Niger’s military junta turning towards the Kremlin, especially since Russia and Niger strengthened their military ties in January. Russia has been actively expanding its influence in the region, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visiting Burkina Faso to increase the number of military instructors.
Gen. Michael Langley of US Africa Command has warned that Russia is aggressively working to expand its influence in African countries, leaving some at the tipping point of falling under Russian influence. While some US defense officials had hoped for future cooperation with Niger based on past efforts to counter extremist groups in neighboring countries, it now seems unlikely given the expanding Russian influence in the region.
The withdrawal of US forces from Niger highlights the complex international relations at play in the region, with the US and Russia vying for influence. The strained relationship between the US and Niger’s military junta, as well as the increasing presence of Russian forces, further complicates the situation. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact regional stability and the fight against extremism in West Africa.
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