Fri Sep 20 09:11:22 UTC 2024: ## US Special Forces Returning to Chad After Niger Withdrawal

**N’Djamena, Chad** – The United States is sending Special Forces troops back to Chad after a nearly five-month absence, following a request from Chadian President Mahamat Deby. The decision comes after the U.S. withdrew troops from neighboring Niger in April, at the request of the newly elected President.

According to Major General Kenneth Ekman, who oversaw the withdrawal from Niger, the U.S. and Chad have reached an “understanding” on the return of a limited number of personnel. The U.S. military plans a smaller operation than the headquarters previously maintained in Chad, focusing on supporting the Chadian counterterror force, which is battling Boko Haram and Islamic State militants around Lake Chad.

The return of U.S. forces to Chad is a significant development for the U.S. military’s counterterrorism strategy in West Africa. Following the coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, the U.S. has lost access to key bases and is now relying on partnerships with other nations in the region.

While Ghana and Nigeria have declined to host U.S. forces, Ivory Coast and Benin have welcomed U.S. presence. The U.S. has also been refurbishing an airfield in Benin to accommodate military aircraft.

However, the U.S. will not be establishing another large base like the one in Niger, which was a crucial hub for intelligence and surveillance. Instead, the focus will be on strengthening existing partnerships and working within partner force garrisons.

The withdrawal from Niger has left a void in the U.S. counterterrorism efforts, making it more difficult to monitor and combat the growing terrorist threat in West Africa. U.S. officials are now exploring alternative strategies, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and economic solutions alongside military efforts.

The return to Chad marks a shift in U.S. strategy, indicating a continued commitment to counterterrorism operations in the region, albeit with a more limited and adaptable approach. The long-term impact of the U.S. withdrawal from Niger remains to be seen, as the security situation in the region continues to evolve.

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