United States completes troop withdrawal from Niger

ZIMSPHERE 

The United States has finalized the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, fulfilling earlier commitments, a Pentagon spokesperson announced on Monday. A minimal contingent of military personnel remains to guard the U.S. Embassy, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.

U.S. and Niger flags fly at the Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, April 16, 2018. [Image: AP Photo/Carley Petesch]

The withdrawal, which was set to be completed by September 15, marks a significant shift in U.S. military involvement in the region. 

Niger, once a crucial ally in combating insurgency in the Sahel, experienced a change in leadership following a coup last year, bringing a military junta to power. This political upheaval prompted the agreement in May for U.S. forces to leave the country.

In recent developments, Niger has sought assistance from Russian mercenaries to tackle ongoing insurgencies, distancing itself from previous Western alliances. Concerns over the presence of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium, in Niger further motivated the U.S. decision to withdraw.

In August, the U.S. transferred its last military post, Airbase 201, to local authorities, leaving about two dozen soldiers to manage administrative tasks related to the pullout. This followed the earlier closure of Airbase 101.

At its height, the U.S., alongside France, stationed over 2,500 military personnel in Niger, investing heavily in military assistance and training programs to bolster regional stability.

Niger's recent pivot towards Russia signals a significant realignment of its international partnerships, as it distances itself from Western influence.

(with news agencies)