US Transfers Last Military Base in Niger to Local Forces

The United States has officially handed over its last military base in Niger to the ruling military junta, marking the completion of a withdrawal ordered by Niger’s leaders in March. This move follows the overthrow of Niger's elected government by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) in July 2023. The junta criticized U.S. forces for their perceived inaction against terrorist threats, with Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine describing negotiations with U.S. officials as condescending and threatening. Despite U.S. officials asserting that they provided Niger with a choice regarding its relationship with America, the situation escalated, leading to the Pentagon's decision to withdraw approximately 1,000 combat troops. Critics, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, expressed concerns about the potential risks of leaving U.S. forces in a volatile environment, drawing parallels to past military failures. Ultimately, U.S. forces withdrew from Airbase 101 earlier this month, followed by the handover of Airbase 201 in Agadez. The withdrawal signifies a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in the Sahel region, which has been a focal point for counterterrorism efforts against groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. As Niger turns towards Russia for security assistance, including the arrival of Russian military trainers, the implications of the U.S. exit could be profound, potentially allowing extremist groups to expand their influence in West Africa. With the U.S. military presence in Niger now reduced to a small number of personnel for administrative duties, the future of counterterrorism operations in the region remains uncertain.