After France, the USA now also wants to withdraw from Niger. Russia had recently expanded its influence in the West African country. The Bundeswehr still maintains an air transport base.
The West’s withdrawal from the crisis states in the Sahel continues: The military government in Niger recently demanded that the remaining 1,000 US soldiers leave the country. Last weekend, thousands of government loyalists took to the streets and chanted for the Americans to leave.
So now the US is actually bringing its military personnel back home. In the coming days, a delegation is scheduled to travel to the capital Niamey to organize an orderly withdrawal. This could also mean that the Americans will close their drone base, which costs around 100 million euros – from there the increasing terrorism in Niger should be combated.
Russia expands influence
The last French troops had already left the country in December. Russia, on the other hand, has recently steadily expanded its influence in Niger – as well as in West Africa. A few days ago, 100 Russian soldiers and military material arrived in Niamey on a transport plane.
Until the military coup at the end of July last year, Niger was considered a reliable partner for the West. But since then, the new rulers have canceled several EU agreements and moved closer to Moscow.
Bundeswehr soldiers in Niger
It has not yet been finally clarified what will happen to a Bundeswehr air transport base in Niger. Around 100 German soldiers are still stationed there.
During a visit to Niamey at the end of last year, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius signaled that he wanted to maintain a German presence in the country and also want to remain in discussions with the military government.
Kai Küstner, ARD Rabat, tagesschau, April 20, 2024 1:05 p.m