US repositioning troops in Niger after non-essential personnel leave

• Roshan Amiri
• . September 8, 2023
• . Update: September 8, 2023 5:39 pm
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The United States has started repositioning its troops from Niger’s capital Niamey to the Agadez area after removing some non-essential personnel from the country. The Pentagon and a US military official said that the troops would move from Air Base 101 near Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez, located in central Niger. 

Sabrina Singh, the Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary in the United States Department of Defense, has said, “The US is repositioning some of its personnel and assets from Air Base 101 in Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez.” She called the move a “precautionary measure.”

The move came six weeks after a military coup toppled the democratically elected government in Niger. Mohamed Bazoum was toppled on July 26 by a military coup and was detained along with his family.

US troops in Niger

The Us troops have been in Niger for many years. The US troops have still maintained their presence in the central African nation even after the military coup. Reportedly, around 1,100 US troops are present at the two air bases and the embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger. 

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Niger has been a main base for both American and French troops for many years. The troops have carried out various operations from Niger. The troops also conducted extensive training and exercises with the Nigerian military. However, exercises have been suspended since the military coup.

Recently, France held talks with Niger on withdrawing the French troops from the country. The military-appointed Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, also said that French troops would leave the country.

Sabrina Singh said that there was “no tie” between the US move and the French troops’ departure from the country. 

Meanwhile, ECOWAS, a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa, has taken a hard line on Niger following a military coup. The regional bloc has threatened to use force to restore civilian rule in the country.

The US called for a diplomatic solution to the situation in Niger. Singh said, “We are hopeful that diplomatic talks will continue.”