The United States will conduct a comprehensive review of its military presence in Niger in light of France’s decision to withdraw French troops from the country by the year’s end, announced the U.S. Secretary of Defense during a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he is currently on official business.
Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin stated, “While giving diplomacy a chance, we will also continue to explore all future steps that will prioritise both our diplomatic and security objectives.”
On Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron declared the recall of the French ambassador from Niamey and the withdrawal of the 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger. Macron cited the cessation of their military cooperation with the local authorities, stating, “We are ending our military cooperation with the de facto authorities in Niger, because they no longer want to fight terrorism.”
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The United States maintains approximately 1,100 troops in Niger, actively engaged in countering jihadist groups operating in the region. Secretary of Defence Austin emphasised, “We have not made any significant changes to the positioning of our forces and (…) we really want a diplomatic solution, a peaceful outcome.” He refrained from commenting on France’s decision.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon announced a precautionary redeployment of troops, relocating some soldiers from a base in the capital, Niamey, to a northern air base.
Furthermore, on September 14, the United States disclosed the resumption of surveillance flights over Niger, which had been temporarily halted following the military coup in late July. Other U.S. military activities in the country remain suspended, according to a Pentagon spokeswoman.
The withdrawal of French troops from Niger, which had been one of Paris’s staunchest allies in the Sahel region before the coup on July 26 and the subsequent removal of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, mirrors similar exits from Mali and Burkina Faso, where France has faced resistance from hostile junta forces.