United States agrees troops withdrawal plan with Niger

Following the expulsion of US forces from the country, authorities in Niger and their American counterpart have reached a consensus on the evacuation of troops, which is expected to be completed by September 15. No fewer than 100 troops had been moved out of the West African nation in the withdrawal operation…

Niger and the United States have reached an agreement to evacuate American troops from the West African country, which has already begun and will be completed by September 15.

This was announced in a joint statement by the two countries.

The statement said, “The Ministry of Defence of Niger and the U.S. Department of Defense recall the common sacrifices of the Nigerien and American forces in the fight against terrorism and welcome the mutual efforts made in building up the Nigerien armed forces.”

It added that “the withdrawal of American forces from Niger in no way affects the pursuit of relations between the United States and Niger in the area of development. Also, Niger and the United States are committed to an ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”

No fewer than 100 troops had been moved out of the West African nation, according to a source cited by the Reuters news agency.

In a separate statement, the US defense official said it will remove equipment it has in Niger, but will leave behind other larger pieces like air conditioning units, generators, and hangars.

Last month, Niger’s ruling junta ordered the United States to evacuate its almost 1,000 military soldiers from the country.

Until a coup last year, Niger was a key partner in Washington’s campaign against insurgents in Africa’s Sahel area, who have murdered thousands and uprooted millions from their homes.