Niger and the United States have agreed on the withdrawal of American troops from the West African country.
This process, which has already commenced, will be completed by September 15, as stated in a joint announcement.
Last month, Niger’s ruling junta requested the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel.
Prior to a coup last year, Niger had been a key ally in Washington’s fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, where thousands have been killed and millions displaced.
The agreement between Niger’s defense ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense was reached after a five-day meeting.
It ensures the protection of U.S. troops until their withdrawal and establishes procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of American personnel during this process.
“The Ministry of Defence of Niger and the U.S. Department of Defense recall the common sacrifices of the Nigerien and American forces in the fight against terrorism and welcome the mutual efforts made in building up the Nigerien armed forces,” they said in a joint statement.
“The withdrawal of American forces from Niger in no way affects the pursuit of relations between the United States and Niger in the area of development.
Also, Niger and the United States are committed to an ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”
A senior U.S. military official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that around 100 U.S. troops had already been relocated.
The U.S. will remove sensitive equipment from Niger but will leave behind larger items such as air conditioning units, generators, and hangars.
Nigerien forces can use this equipment if it meets legal standards, according to a U.S. defense official.
The official also noted that it did not appear the Nigerien junta intended to hand over counter-terrorism operations to Russian troops or the Wagner private military company.
“I think we tend to believe what they’ve told us, at least the CNSP, which is they’re not looking for any foreign forces in large numbers here,” the official said, using the acronym for Niger’s ruling military council.
Niger’s decision to request the removal of U.S. troops followed a mid-March meeting in Niamey, where senior U.S. officials expressed concerns about the expected arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium.
Since then, Russian military personnel have entered a Niger air base that hosts U.S. troops.