US troops have finalized their departure from their base in Niger’s capital of Niamey and are set to fully withdraw from Agadez in the north by September 15, as outlined by Niger’s military leadership and confirmed by both countries.
Following a coup in July 2023, Niger’s military leaders terminated a military cooperation agreement with the United States in March.
The US had approximately 650 soldiers stationed in Niger for anti-jihadist operations across several Sahel nations in West Africa, including a significant drone base near Agadez.
“The Nigerien Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense announce the successful withdrawal of American forces and equipment from Base 101 in Niamey,” said a joint statement released on Sunday evening, July 7.
The last US troops were scheduled to depart from Niamey late Sunday.
Initially comprising around 950 troops, the US presence has seen 766 soldiers leave Niger following the military’s directive for their departure, as noted during a ceremony attended by Niger’s army chief of staff Maman Sani Kiaou and US General Kenneth Ekman.
“The focus now turns to the withdrawal from Airbase 201 in Agadez,” the statement emphasized, affirming that the pullout will adhere to the scheduled completion by September 15.
Niger had previously instructed French troops, its former colonial power, to withdraw and has since strengthened relations with Russia, receiving training and equipment from Moscow.
Over the weekend, Germany’s defense ministry also announced plans to conclude operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31 after failed negotiations with the military leadership.
