U.S. to Withdraw Over 1,000 Troops from Niger as Nation Strengthens Ties with Russia and Iran

The United States has agreed to withdraw over 1,000 troops from Niger, a West African nation that has strengthened its ties with Russia and Iran, rejecting U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region. The decision comes after Niger revoked its military cooperation deal with the U.S. following contentious meetings in the capital, Niamey.

American diplomats tried to salvage a revamped deal, but failed to strike a compromise amid growing ill feelings toward the U.S. presence in the country. Thousands of protesters in the capital called for the withdrawal of American armed forces personnel, just days after Russia delivered military equipment and instructors to Niger's military.

The U.S. had a significant military presence in Niger, including a $100 million drone facility near Agadez. However, after a coup in Niger last year, the new government has severed military ties with the U.S. and France, and instead pursued closer relations with Russia. Niger has said the 2012 cooperation agreement with the U.S. was "unilaterally imposed" and has demanded the departure of all foreign forces, including American forces.

A U.S. delegation will visit Niger next week to discuss the future of their cooperation. The U.S. has suspended most of its cooperation, including military, with Niger following the coup. The status of the $110 million air base in the desert remains unclear as Niger deepens its ties with Russia.

Why this matters: The U.S. withdrawal from Niger marks a significant setback for its counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region and a gain for Russia, which has increased its focus on Africa. The move highlights the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region as more countries turn away from Western influence and towards Russia and other powers.

The U.S. is preparing to exit Niger, with concerns over the safety of its troops, and is looking to station drones in other locations in West Africa. The U.S. has already begun withdrawing a substantial portion of its troops from Niger, and a U.S. delegation is set to travel to Niamey within days to facilitate an orderly withdrawal of the remaining troops. Despite this, a source familiar with the matter said there would still be diplomatic and economic relationships between the U.S. and Niger.

Key Takeaways

• US to withdraw over 1,000 troops from Niger after military cooperation deal revoked
• Niger severed ties with US and France, pursued closer relations with Russia after 2022 coup
• US had $100M drone facility in Niger, but new govt demanded departure of all foreign forces
• US withdrawal marks setback for counterterrorism efforts, gain for Russia's influence in Africa
• US delegation to visit Niger to discuss future cooperation, some diplomatic ties to remain