WASHINGTON: The United States is dispatching a delegation to Niger on Thursday to engage in direct discussions with officials in Niamey regarding the withdrawal of over 1,000 American personnel stationed in the country.
Niger has served as a critical base for regional counter-terrorism operations. However, following a military junta’s ousting of the country’s president last year, Niger’s government announced in March that it was terminating a military cooperation agreement with Washington.
Last week, the United States agreed to withdraw its troops and will initiate talks in Niamey on April 25 to commence an “orderly and responsible withdrawal of US forces from Niger,” stated the State Department on Wednesday.
US Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Major General Ken Ekman from US Africa Command will meet with ruling government representatives to kick off negotiations. Additional Defense Department officials will conduct follow-up meetings next week, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell scheduled to visit “in the coming months.”
Despite the ending of security cooperation, the US emphasized pride in joint efforts and contributions to regional stability. Current troop levels remain unchanged in Niger, a pivotal component of US and French anti-jihadist strategy in West Africa, including hosting a significant American drone base valued at $100 million.
