U.S. to Withdraw Troops from Niger as Russia Strengthens Presence

The U.S. plans an orderly withdrawal from Niger following the revocation of a military agreement, amid increasing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

The U.S. and Niger are negotiating the withdrawal of over 1,000 American troops after a decade-long military presence.
Niger's military junta, which seized power in July 2023, has revoked a 2012 military cooperation deal with the U.S. and is engaging more with Russia and China.
Recent protests in Niger have demonstrated local opposition to the U.S. military presence, complicating the withdrawal process.
Russia's involvement in Niger includes the deployment of the African Corps to train Nigerien forces, signaling a strategic shift in regional alliances.
The U.S. pullout is seen as a significant setback for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, with potential implications for regional and global security.