This week, the Pentagon officially directed all 1,000 U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Niger, dealing a setback to the Biden administration's endeavors to combat ‘terrorism’ and ‘Russian influence’ in West Africa.
In April, the U.S. revealed its intention to initiate talks for “an orderly and responsible withdrawal” following Niger's military junta's decision to annul its military cooperation agreement with Washington. However, U.S. officials have persisted in negotiations with the junta regarding the specifics of the withdrawal and the potential for retaining some American troops.
Hopes for reaching an agreement faded this week as the Defense Department instructed the approximately 1,000 U.S. troops in Niger to depart the country over the coming months, as per a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity. The official noted that the timeline remains subject to change and that negotiations with Congress are ongoing.
