The United States has completed the withdrawal of military personnel and assets from its erstwhile base in Niger.
This was disclosed on Monday in a press release from the U.S. Africa Command which stated that the U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Niger have completed the process of withdrawing U.S. forces and assets.
It will be recalled that the withdrawal process of U.S. forces from Agadez and Niamey began on May 19, following Niger’s cancellation of the counterterrorism partnership.
In July, the United States completed the withdrawal of personnel and assets from Air Base 101 near Niamey, while Air Base 201 in Agadez was fully vacated on August 5. Germany also vacated Niger in late August 2024, marking the end of Germany’s military presence in Niger.
Following the complete U.S. withdrawal, AFRICOM’s U.S. Africa Command Coordination Element, consisting of a two-star General Officer and staff, has also departed from Niger.
It will be recalled that prior to the completion of the withdrawal process, several reports emerged indicating that the U.S. plans to deploy American troops to nearby African countries including Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.