Rosalind Evans
The U.S. officially handed over Airbase 201 in Agadez, Niger, to local authorities, marking the end of an era for American counterterrorism operations in the Sahel. This decision follows the recent withdrawal from Airbase 101 in Niamey and a shift in Niger’s international alliances.
End of an Era for American Presence
The U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced the handover of Airbase 201 in a joint statement on Monday. This base was one of two critical hubs for U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the region, highlighting its significance in American military strategy.
Withdrawal Timeline and Remaining Troops
Following an agreement with Nigerien authorities, U.S. troops are scheduled to leave Sahel by September 15. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh noted that “about two dozen American soldiers remain in Niger, primarily for administrative duties related to the withdrawal.” These remaining soldiers are stationed at the U.S. embassy in Niger.
Strategic Shifts in the Sahel
Niger’s junta terminated an agreement in March that allowed U.S. troops to operate within the country. U.S. troops are expected to withdraw by mid-September, ending a significant chapter of military cooperation. The region, fraught with jihadi insurgencies, has seen Western military personnel, including those from the U.S. and France, attempting to maintain stability.
Niger’s New Alliances
Recent months have seen Niger distancing itself from Western allies, opting instead for Russian support. In April, Russian military trainers arrived in Niger to bolster the country’s air defenses. This pivot to Russia marks a significant shift in Niger’s international relations and has broad implications for regional security.
Implications for U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts
The ouster of American troops has forced the U.S. to abandon critical bases used for counterterrorism missions in the Sahel. This vast region south of the Sahara desert is home to groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. One such group, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), is active in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and aims to expand into Benin and Togo.
Regional Stability and Future Prospects
Niger’s shift in alliances and the withdrawal of Western troops raise questions about the future stability of the Sahel. With Russian support now a factor, the dynamics of counterterrorism efforts in the region are poised for significant changes.
The handover of Airbase 201 marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Niger relations. As American troops complete their withdrawal, the Sahel’s future remains uncertain, with new alliances and shifting power dynamics shaping the region’s security landscape.
