US Negotiates to Maintain Presence in Niger Amid Withdrawal Talks

The US is currently in talks with the military junta in Niger, which took control of the country last July. The goal is to reach an agreement that would allow a small number of US forces to remain in Niger. This decision comes as a broader order has been given for the majority of the less than 1,000 US troops in Niger to leave, as reported by US officials.

Although discussions have begun between some US officials and Niger regarding the withdrawal, the civilian head of US special operations recently mentioned to CNN that the Pentagon has not yet had detailed talks with Niger. These future conversations will primarily focus on the logistics of the withdrawal process.

A US delegation is set to visit Niger over the weekend to talk about the plan. Chris Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, mentioned that the goal is to reduce the presence in Niger to a level acceptable to the Nigerians.

Maier stated that the government of Niger has made a significant decision for us to leave or reduce our presence there.

One of the key issues that defense officials need to address in their discussions with Niger's government is reaching an agreement to permit US military flights in and out of the country. Following the coup in July, Niger has closed its airspace to foreign militaries. This has required all foreign military forces to submit individual requests for airspace access in order to conduct military flights, according to a US official who spoke to CNN.

The withdrawal of US troops from Niger will occur in phases over the course of several months. Currently, the focus is on removing anything that is not essential for life or safety, in preparation for taking it out of the country. This process will continue in stages, with equipment and personnel that are not considered necessary being relocated out of Niger.

Despite ongoing discussions, the likelihood of a small number of troops remaining in the country is slim. The government of Niger has expressed its desire for all US forces to leave, making the prospect of any troops staying largely wishful thinking at this point.

US officials have expressed concern over the growing instability in Africa, with recent events in Niger highlighting the volatile situation on the continent. This instability has been exacerbated by a series of military coups in recent years, jeopardizing the American presence and providing an opportunity for Russia to expand its influence. Despite the relatively small US military presence in Africa, focused primarily on counterterrorism efforts, officials view the continent as a critical battleground for influence between Russia and the United States.

In March, Niger's military government terminated its military agreement with the US. Since then, Russian forces have been operating in various camps within the same base where US troops are stationed, raising concerns about the shifting dynamics in the region.

Chad has also threatened to end its agreement with the US, adding to the challenges faced by American forces in Africa. Even though there are only a few US troops in Chad, this move could have broader implications for stability and US influence in the region.

General Michael Langley, the leader of US Africa Command, warned Congress about the possibility of some African countries falling under Russian influence. Maier, another US official, highlighted that Russia and China have heavily invested in information operations to expand their reach, surpassing the efforts of the US.

American officials acknowledge the challenge of competing with Russia's attractive offers to military leaders in Africa. Russia provides immediate security assistance, including weapons, with fewer conditions compared to American aid. This creates a concern that the partnership relied upon to assist these countries may be weakening or being replaced by Russia's promises that seem more appealing to some governments, especially those that have come into power through coups.

The second US official expressed concern that growing instability in Africa may result in a situation where the US cannot safely operate, while Russia potentially can. This could have significant security implications beyond Africa, especially if it jeopardizes US access to the Mediterranean, where the military has been active since Hamas' invasion of Israel in October.

Maier noted that the US might find itself in a position where it is increasingly excluded from African affairs. However, he also mentioned that this situation could be an opportunity to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of Russia's offerings to African countries.

"Some of these coup regimes have now chosen to align themselves with the Russians. It's like they're the dog that caught the car," he explained. "But if they don't see real outcomes in terms of security and other aspects of governing, the truth will eventually overshadow even the most clever misinformation and disinformation tactics."

Editor's P/S:

The withdrawal of US forces from Niger underscores the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape in Africa. The closure of airspace to foreign militaries and the termination of the military agreement with the US highlight Niger's desire for greater autonomy and sovereignty. While the decision is justified by Niger's government, it raises concerns about the country's vulnerability to instability and terrorism.

The article also sheds light on the intensifying competition between the US and Russia for influence in Africa. Russia's aggressive information campaigns, coupled with its willingness to provide military assistance with fewer conditions, is appealing to African governments, especially those led by military juntas. This poses a significant challenge to the US, which has traditionally been a key security partner in the region. As the US presence diminishes, there is a real risk of Russia filling the void and further destabilizing the continent.