US hands over final military base to Niger’s ruling junta

ZIMSPHERE 

AGADEZ, Niger – The United States relinquished control of its last military outpost in Niger, Airbase 201, to local authorities, marking a significant shift in the West African nation's geopolitical alignments. 

U.S. Air Force plane takes off from their base in Agadez, Niger, Monday, August 5, 2024. [Image: AP Photo/Omar Hama] 

This transfer was confirmed in a joint statement by the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense on Monday.

This strategic withdrawal follows the earlier departure of U.S. forces from Airbase 101, a smaller drone facility located in the capital city of Niamey, earlier this month.

The decision to conclude the U.S. military presence stems from an agreement terminated by Niger's ruling junta in March. A subsequent joint statement in May declared that all American troops would vacate the country by September 15, 2024.

Prior to a coup last year, Niger was a pivotal ally for Washington in its campaign against insurgencies in the Sahel region, where extremist violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. 

Niger had been one of the few remaining partners for Western nations in this volatile area, providing a base from which to counter the rise of jihadist groups.

At its peak, the U.S., alongside France, maintained over 2,500 military personnel in Niger, with aims of strengthening regional stability through extensive military assistance and training programs funded by hundreds of millions of dollars from Western allies.

Niger has of late distanced itself from these Western alliances, opting instead for closer security ties with Russia. 

This shift was underscored in April when Russian military trainers arrived in Niger to enhance the country’s air defences.

(with reporting from AP and Reuters)