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Tons of equipment have been loaded onto planes, with the first batch set to leave Niger, including at least 269 soldiers.
The process of withdrawing American troops from Niger has officially commenced. A total of 946 American soldiers were stationed in various bases across Niger. The withdrawal has begun from key locations such as Agadez, Ouallam, and Diffa, with the destination set for Niamey.
Over the past weekend, the first steps of this withdrawal were initiated as troops began their journey back to the United States. Nearly a thousand soldiers gathered at Niamey International Airport’s squadron base, preparing for their gradual departure. This significant move comes following the signing of a withdrawal agreement between Niger and the USA on May 19, signifying a formal start to the withdrawal process.
In a solemn joint ceremony between the Nigerien and American armies, Colonel-Major Mamane Sani KIAOU, President of the Disengagement Committee, and Major General Kenneth P. EKMAN, U.S. Troop Commander in Niger, formalized the departure. Tons of equipment have been loaded onto planes, with the first batch set to leave Niger, including at least 269 soldiers.
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This withdrawal follows the departure of the French army from Niger at the end of 2023 and the arrival of Russian military instructors, as Niger seeks to diversify its defence partnerships. Both parties have emphasized that this withdrawal will not impact the relations between the two countries. The United States has been supporting Niger in the fight against terrorism through intelligence provided by their drone base in Agadez.
