In a swift and decisive move, the US military has completed its withdrawal from Niger, closing its last base in the country amidst rising tensions and a shifting political landscape.
The final contingent of around 200 troops departed the Agadez base in northern Niger, marking the end of a significant US military presence in the region.
The withdrawal, which began in May, was prompted by the Nigerien government’s decision to end a military cooperation agreement with the US, citing the presence of American soldiers as “illegal”.
The move comes as Niger’s new regime, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, seeks to assert its sovereignty and forge new alliances, including with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
The US withdrawal has significant implications for the region, which has been grappling with violent extremism and jihadist activity.
Niger has been a key player in US and French counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa, and its departure leaves a power vacuum that may be exploited by extremist groups.
For around a decade, Niger has been grappling with bloody violence by armed groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
It also has to contend with violence in its southeast from Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West African offshoot.
As the US military departs, Niger is left to confront the escalating violence, with over 1,500 civilians and soldiers killed by jihadists in the past year alone.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further instability and conflict in the region.
