US Africa Command said on Monday that it had completed its withdrawal from Niger by the September 15 deadline.
The command said that the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 military personnel began in May. AFRICOM completed its withdrawal from Air Base 101 in Niamey on July 7, and the last US troops left Air Base 201 in Agadez on August 5.
“Additionally, the US Africa Command Coordination Element, consisting of a two-star General Officer and staff, has departed from Niger,” AFRICOM said.
The US was ordered to leave by the government that came to power following a July 2023 coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. The US was looking to stay in the country but was asked to leave following a meeting with the government, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), back in March.
Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said the US was asked to leave due to threats made by US officials in the meeting about Niger’s relationship with Russia and Iran.
The US is working to beef up its presence elsewhere in West Africa after losing Air Base 201, which served as a drone hub for US military operations across the region.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the Pentagon is refurbishing an airfield in Benin to accommodate US helicopters, deploying Green Berets to Ivory Coast, and working on a deal with Chad to send troops to a base that used to be occupied by US forces.
