By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
The military leaders of Niger have issued an order, ending their collaboration with the troops of the United States of America.
Reacting, the US army says it has begun its full exit from its military base in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
According to the official deadline, the troops are expected to complete evacuation from northern Agadez before September 15.
“The defence ministry of Niger and the US Defence Department announce that the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from the Niamey base 101 is now completed,” part of the agreement between the two countries added
The statement continued: “American forces are now going to focus on quitting Airbase 201 in Agadez.”
It would be recalled that the Nigerien military in July 26, 2023 seized power from the then leader of Niger, President Mohamed Bazoum, with Presidential Guard commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani declaring himself the new leader of the country.
On assuming office, the head of the military junta issued an order scrapping the military cooperation deal Niger had previously signed with Washington in March.
According to reports, as part of anti-jihadist operations in multiple Sahel countries of West Africa, the US had maintained some 650 personnel in Niger, including a sizable drone base close to Agadez.
However, with the end of the military coooetation, American forces were scheduled to depart Niamey late on Sunday.
At a ceremony at the base attended by US General Kenneth Ekman and Maman Sani Kiaou, the chief of staff of Niger’s army, AFP reports that the US presence in the country had stood at approximately 950 troops, and that 766 servicemen had left Niger since the military requested their withdrawal.
Similarly, following the failure of negotiations with military commanders, Germany’s defence ministry also announced on Saturday that it would cease operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31.
However, Niger has reinforced its connections with Russia, which has sent instructors and equipment, and has already ordered the departure of troops from France, the former colonial power and conventional security ally.
In neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also being led by military dictators, a similar change has occurred or is expected on a similar scale.
