According to a top U.S. military official, there has been no definitive resolution regarding the potential withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Niger and Chad, two critical African nations in the fight against violent extremist groups across the Sahel region.
The ruling junta in Niger terminated an agreement last month permitting U.S. troop operations within the country, while Chad has recently raised questions about its own pact with the U.S., as disclosed by Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady.
These agreements have facilitated essential counterterrorism efforts within the borders of Niger and Chad, along with supporting military training partnerships. The recent developments have raised concerns about waning U.S. influence in Africa, with Russia and China making diplomatic overtures in the region.
Grady emphasized the importance of demonstrating the value of U.S. partnerships with these nations and affirmed ongoing negotiations for a new military arrangement in Niger, indicating that no final decisions have been reached regarding the disposition of U.S. forces in the region.
Tensions have escalated between Niger and Western nations since a military coup ousted the democratically elected president in July. Niger’s junta has sought support from Russia, leading to the departure of French forces and the arrival of Russian military trainers to bolster Niger’s air defenses.
Similarly, the Chadian government has recently requested the departure of U.S. forces, prompting diplomatic efforts from the State Department, U.S. Africa Command, and the Pentagon to persuade Chad to maintain the U.S. military presence.
In the event of U.S. forces being asked to leave Niger and Chad, military strategists anticipate the need to reassess and develop alternative approaches to conducting counterterrorism operations across the Sahel region.