In Niger Republic, protestors have expressed their disapproval of the American military presence, demanding the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The protests took place as the U.S. planned to remove over 1,000 soldiers from a drone operations base in Niger, which cost $100 million to operate.
In Agadez, where the U.S. air base is located, hundreds of demonstrators, organized by civil society groups supporting the current military regime, rallied against the American forces.
They explicitly stated, “American soldiers, pack your bags and go home,” as reported by AFP.
The Nigerien military recently declared its intent to end a defence agreement with the U.S., labelling the American troop presence as illegal and unnecessary for their security.
This sentiment reflects a growing preference among some Nigeriens against foreign military interventions, including those by the U.S. and France.
Concurrently, Russia has been enhancing its presence in Niger by sending military instructors and providing military equipment, including air defence systems, signalling a shift in the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
Despite the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces, Niger still faces threats from jihadist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, especially in its southeastern areas close to Nigeria.
The US agreed to withdraw its forces, comprising over a thousand soldiers, from Niger where they have been involved in combating extremists, according to several American officials who requested anonymity.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell approved the request for troop withdrawal during a meeting in Washington with Prime Minister Ali Amin Zain, who assumed power after the coup last July, U.S. officials told Agence France-Presse.
The agreement stipulates that an American delegation will be sent to Niger in the coming days to finalize the withdrawal details.
