Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The United States (US) has successfully completed its military withdrawal from Niger Republic following a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The withdrawal is a significant shift in U.S. operations in West Africa, where Niger had been a key partner in counterterrorism efforts against extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS.
The Pentagon confirmed that all U.S. troops were safely repositioned.
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However, this latest development raises concerns about the stability of the region as insurgent groups could exploit the political instability.
The withdrawal follows the deterioration of diplomatic relations after the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum’s democratically elected government.
Despite efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international bodies to restore civilian rule, Niger remains under military control.
The U.S. military had been operating drone bases and conducting joint missions with Nigerien forces to combat terrorism in the Sahel region, which has seen an increase in violence and insurgent activity in recent years.
While the withdrawal has been completed, the U.S. government continues to monitor the situation closely.
Also, there are concerns that the power vacuum left by the exit of Western forces could embolden jihadist groups, further destabilizing Niger and neighboring countries.
However, the Pentagon reiterated that it remains committed to supporting counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and West Africa, though through different means as it repositions its resources in the region.
In a statement, a U.S. military spokesperson emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions in resolving the political crisis and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution that would allow for future cooperation with Niger.
