Last week, the United States officially withdrew its troops from Niger, ending 11 years of defense cooperation. The US had operated large military bases in Niger to launch drone surveillance operations against armed groups in the Sahel region. However, Niger’s ruling junta, which took power in a 2023 military coup, ordered the US to withdraw its troops by September 15. The withdrawal was a blow to US efforts to counter al-Qaeda and ISIL in West Africa, which is a key part of its foreign policy. Following the departure of US forces, Niger and other junta-led nations sought to partner with Russia, leading to the deployment of several hundred Wagner Group fighters across the region to bolster local militaries. With Russia’s growing influence, the US is now seeking new partners in West Africa, including Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. However, challenges remain, including anti-Western sentiment and logistical hurdles.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
