The US and Niger announced in a joint statement on Sunday that all American troops in the West African country will leave no later than September 15.
The statement said both countries had “reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun”. The agreement was reached after four days of talks between the two countries in Niamey.
Last year, following the military’s takeover of power, Niger expelled former colonial power France’s troops, who were also present in the country to tackle terrorists.
Niger also withdrew from the French-backed G5 Sahel force, citing its ineffectiveness and perceived encroachment on African sovereignty. Instead, they’ve joined forces with Burkina-Faso and Mali to form a defence pact named the Alliance of Sahel States.
The US built a $100m military base in the city of Agadez six years ago to serve as its primary base for keeping an eye on and getting intelligence on terrorist activities in the region. It has more than 1,000 troops stationed at the base.
However, relations soured after elected president Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup last year. Since then, the junta has moved closer to Russia, with military instructors from Moscow arriving in the country.
