By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The U.S. military is set to hand over its final base in Niger, Airbase 201 in Agadez, to Nigerien authorities by Monday, in accordance with an agreement mandating U.S. forces to exit by September 15.
This follows last month’s withdrawal from Airbase 101 in Niamey. The exit of Western troops, including German forces, marks a broader trend of military departures from the Sahel, where Islamist groups are active. Aneliese Bernard, director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, warned that “the absence of French, European and American forces in Niger will leave a huge security vacuum,” impacting business operations and humanitarian aid in the region.
The Nigerien junta’s recent actions, such as revoking Orano’s mining permit, signal a strategic shift in partnerships, possibly prioritizing those offering security support in exchange for resource access. Bernard also noted that “humanitarian workers are now required to have military escorts when working outside of major cities,” increasing risks and potentially leading to NGO pullbacks from vulnerable areas.
