US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently met with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine to discuss the withdrawal of US military forces from the country. The decision, made after Niger’s demands, will see a significant drawdown of US troops in Africa.
According to a State Department official, discussions will be held in the coming days to determine the timeline for the withdrawal in coordination with the Department of Defense. The move comes amidst US concerns over Niger's deepening relationships with Russia and Iran.
This decision follows Niger's announcement last month to revoke its military cooperation deal with the US. The strained interactions between the two countries escalated after a military coup in Niger last summer, leading to the inactivity of US troops stationed in the country.
During the recent meeting between Campbell and Zeine, the Nigerien Prime Minister expressed a desire for continued partnership with the US. Despite the withdrawal of military forces, the US plans to maintain a diplomatic presence in Niger.
Meanwhile, a whistleblower complaint was filed by a senior airman in Niger, alleging that US officials had suppressed intelligence to maintain a positive country-to-country relationship facade. Additionally, Chadian officials have threatened to cancel the Status of Forces Agreement, potentially impacting US military operations in Chad.
While the withdrawal of US forces from Niger is underway, discussions are ongoing to ensure an orderly departure without speculating on the exact timing. Both countries are expected to be militarily forced out of Niger within a year of each other, with the US emphasizing the continuation of diplomatic relations with the country.
These recent developments highlight the evolving dynamics of US military presence in Africa and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.
