Fri Sep 20 07:25:17 UTC 2024: ## US Military Withdrawal From Niger Leaves Security Vacuum in West Africa
**Niamey, Niger** – Following a military coup in Niger in July 2023, the United States has completed the withdrawal of its troops, equipment, and weapons from the country. Major General Kenneth Ekman, who oversaw the withdrawal, emphasized the importance of the 15-year partnership between the US and Niger and expressed hope for future cooperation, despite the current political situation.
The withdrawal, however, has left a significant gap in US counterterrorism efforts in the region, particularly in monitoring the growing threat of violent extremist organizations (VEOs) in the Sahel.
“If there was one country that was most important on our ability to address Sahelian VEO problems or the Sahelian VEO challenge, it was Niger,” stated General Ekman. “Their risks have definitely gone up. Their ability to confront extremist organizations, intel sharing, partnership with our and other allied forces, it’s gotten worse.”
To address this, the US has been repositioning its forces in neighboring West African countries, focusing on intelligence sharing and maintaining a limited presence in strategically important areas.
“What you’re talking about is that layer of forces, most of which came from Niger, that we reposition around the Sahel,” explained General Ekman. “If our presence in Niger allowed us to go inside out, relative to the Sahelian based VEO threat, we now have to revert to going outside in.”
The US is currently working with countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, and Chad to develop security partnerships and establish limited bases. However, discussions are ongoing with each country regarding the specifics of cooperation and US force presence.
The General also acknowledged the growing threat posed by VEOs in the region, including potential collaboration between JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin) and ISIS elements. He highlighted the importance of Chad’s strategic location for counterterrorism efforts, noting the US plans to redeploy a limited number of special forces there.
While the US is cautiously optimistic about future cooperation with Niger, the general expressed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to VEOs in the absence of US support. The withdrawal, coupled with the recent increase in violent extremist attacks, has created a challenging security environment for Niger.
General Ekman also addressed Russia’s growing presence in the region, specifically in Niger, which he characterized as limited. He urged Niger to avoid engaging with Russian private military companies (PMCs), citing their lack of effectiveness and questionable methods.
The withdrawal from Niger marks a significant shift in US strategy in West Africa, demanding a new approach to counterterrorism efforts in the region. The US is actively seeking new partnerships and adjusting its operations to address the evolving threat posed by VEOs, while navigating the complex political landscape in the Sahel.
First Piper 