Niger Orders U.S. Troops Withdrawal by September Amid Political Unrest

Following ongoing discussions between the United States and Niger, it has been confirmed that U.S. troops are to be withdrawn from the West African country by the middle of September. This decision comes in the wake of Niger's ruling junta's directive for the departure of American forces, impacting U.S. military operations in the Sahel region.

End of Military Partnership

Amidst the ousting of Niger's democratically elected president in July and subsequent changes in security alliances, Niger has requested the withdrawal of U.S. troops, signaling a shift in global military cooperation. This move follows the country's engagement with the Russian mercenary group Wagner for security assistance after asking French forces to leave.

Niger's call for the departure of American troops, coupled with Washington's official designation of the military takeover as a coup, has led to a reassessment of U.S. military presence and support in the region. The withdrawal will affect approximately 1,000 U.S. troops, primarily stationed at an airbase near Agadez, nearly 920 kilometers from the capital.

In response to the troop withdrawal, the Pentagon has announced plans to relocate most of its deployed forces in neighboring Chad. However, discussions are set to resume next month to consider revising an agreement that permits the presence of U.S. troops in Chad.