Washington announces the end of the withdrawal of its forces from Niger

The United States announced on Monday, that it has completed the withdrawal of its forces from Niger, in response to the demand of the Transitional Military Council that has ruled the country for more than a year, after the Niger army overthrew civilian President Mohamed Bazoum.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement that the withdrawal of US forces and equipment from Niger was completed without complications.

The withdrawal of US forces from Niger began last May, after the military council headed by General Abdourahmane Tiani in March cancelled the military cooperation agreement that existed between Niamey and Washington.

Despite its withdrawal, the United States still has shared security objectives with Niger.

The military official said the next step would be to listen to Niger’s needs for a future security relationship with the United States.

Before the withdrawal of US forces, Niger had expelled French and German forces, and received Russian forces as part of what is known as the “Russian Legion” that Moscow announced in early 2024.