US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
7 months, 3 weeks ago

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a joint statement on Monday. The handing over of Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez came after the U.S. troops withdrew earlier this month from Airbase 101, a small drone base in Niger’s capital of Niamey. In March, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the West African country. Niger’s ouster of American troops following a coup last year has broad ramifications for the U.S. because it is forcing troops to abandon the critical base that was used for counterterrorism missions in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara desert where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group operate One of those groups, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, known as JNIM, is active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and is looking to expand into Benin and Togo.

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History of this topic

Niger junta suspends French humanitarian group amid ongoing tensions with France
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Niger junta suspends French humanitarian group amid ongoing tensions with France

Firstpost  

Niger’s military junta has revoked the licences of the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development and the local NGO APBE, without citing reasons, signalling a shift from Western partnerships towards Russian alliances after last year’s coup Niger’s military junta has banned the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, or Acted, from working in the …

Niger junta bans French aid group amid tensions with France
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Niger junta bans French aid group amid tensions with France

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — Niger’s military junta has banned the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, or Acted, from working in the country amid tensions with France. Acted had been active in the West African country since 2010, mainly helping people displaced by jihadist violence and natural disasters. Niger’s ruling military rulers took power in a coup last …

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger
6 months, 1 week ago

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement …

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger
6 months, 1 week ago

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger is complete, an American official said Monday. Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the West African country. The U.S. handed over its last military bases in Niger to local authorities last month, but about two dozen American soldiers had remained …

U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
7 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

LA Times  

The U.S. has handed over its last military base in Niger, in the city of Agadez, to the country’s authorities. The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a …

A year has passed since Niger’s dramatic coup. Life has become more dangerous and desperate
8 months ago

A year has passed since Niger’s dramatic coup. Life has become more dangerous and desperate

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — When a group of military officers appeared on state television in Niger one year ago to make a dramatic announcement of a coup, they said they deposed the West African nation’s elected government for two key reasons: its security, and economic crises. “Niger’s army is running out of material with the retreat of Western forces which the …

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says
9 months ago

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says

India TV News  

Niamey : An ambush by a “terrorist group” killed 21 Nigerien soldiers near the country's border with Burkina Faso on Tuesday, Niger's ruling military junta said in a statement read on national television. Niger and neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso are also battling movements linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State extremist group in a decade-long conflict in the Sahel …

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia
9 months, 4 weeks ago

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia

Associated Press  

AGADIR, Morocco — The head of the U.S. military in Africa vigorously defended the country’s counterterrorism strategy on the continent and vowed to press forward with it despite a wave of criticism and a drift among African nations toward seeking security help from Russia instead. The 6,000 members of the U.S. military stationed in Africa are confronting new setbacks as …

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia
9 months, 4 weeks ago

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The head of the U.S. …

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger
10 months, 1 week ago

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger

Al Jazeera  

Strengthening ties with Russia as it pulls back from Western allies, Niger has deemed US troops’ presence ‘illegal’. The United States says it will pull all its troops out of Niger within the next four months or so after the West African country’s military government ordered them to leave. Niger last month told Washington to withdraw its military personnel, which …

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says
10 months, 1 week ago

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — U.S. troops ordered out of Niger by the West African country’s ruling junta will complete their withdrawal by the middle of September, the Pentagon and Nigerien defense officials said Sunday. The U.S. also will leave behind infrastructure it has built over the years to support the approximately 1,000 troops who have been based there to conduct counterterrorism missions, …

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here

Live Mint  

Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces from the country. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using …

Austin confirms Russians deployed to airbase housing US military in Niger
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Austin confirms Russians deployed to airbase housing US military in Niger

Al Jazeera  

Officials says Russians do not have access to US forces at Airbase 101 as Moscow’s troops deployed to a separate hanger. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed that Russian military personnel have entered an airbase in Niger that hosts US forces, following a recent decision by Niger’s military rulers to expel US troops from the country. News of …

Russian trainers move to a Niger airbase where some US troops remain
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian trainers move to a Niger airbase where some US troops remain

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Russia has moved some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of U.S. forces remain, but Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he doesn’t see it as a significant issue. The arrival of Russian trainers in the West African country about three weeks ago came in the wake of Niger’s decision to order out all U.S. …

Russian trainers move to Niger airbase where small number of US troops remain
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian trainers move to Niger airbase where small number of US troops remain

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russia has moved some troops …

What’s next as ‘heavy-handed’ US negotiates pullout from Niger?
10 months, 4 weeks ago

What’s next as ‘heavy-handed’ US negotiates pullout from Niger?

Al Jazeera  

The United States is preparing to withdraw more than 1,000 military personnel from Niger, once a front-line partner in its war against the ISIL group and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region of Africa, which is currently experiencing a surge in deadly violence. “But it wasn’t a rose garden,” said Simon Rynn, a senior research fellow for African security at …

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role
11 months ago

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States will pull the majority of its troops from Chad and Niger as it works to restore key agreements governing what role there might be there for the American military and its counterterrorism operations, the Pentagon said Thursday. Both African countries have been integral to the U.S. military’s efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the …

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role
11 months ago

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States will pull …

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP
11 months ago

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP

Associated Press  

BOSTON — There has been no final decision on whether or not all U.S. troops will leave Niger and Chad, two African countries that are integral to the military’s efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region, a top U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The State Department said Wednesday night that U.S. and Nigerien …

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
11 months, 1 week ago

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington and its allies in the region in terms of staging security operations in the Sahel. The prime minister of Niger, appointed by the ruling military junta, Ali Lamine Zeine, and U.S. deputy secretary …

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
11 months, 1 week ago

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

LA Times  

A U.S. flag and Niger flag are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, on April 16, 2018. The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington …

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia
11 months, 1 week ago

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia

Al Jazeera  

The US built a base in the desert city of Agadez at the cost of $100m for manned and unmanned surveillance flights. The US Department of State agreed to pull out about 1,000 troops from the country that has been under military rule since July 2023, US media reported late on Friday. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
11 months, 1 week ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
11 months, 1 week ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States is attempting …

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops

Al Jazeera  

In March, Niger suspended its military cooperation with the US after military government leaders severed ties with France last year. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Niger’s capital to demand the departure of United States troops, after the military government further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the US and welcoming Russian military instructors. …

Russian military trainers arrive in Niger as relations deteriorate with the US
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Russian military trainers arrive in Niger as relations deteriorate with the US

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — Russian military trainers arrived this week in Niger to reinforce the country’s air defenses as the west African nation pulls away from close cooperation with the United States in counterterrorism efforts, turning instead to Russia for security. State television in Niger on Thursday broadcast footage of Russian military trainers arriving in the country aboard a plane equipped …

Russia sends military trainers, air defence system to Niger: State media
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Russia sends military trainers, air defence system to Niger: State media

Al Jazeera  

Violence in the region has worsened since coups in Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso. Russian military trainers have arrived in Niger with an air defence system and other equipment as part of the West African nation’s deepening security ties with Moscow, state media reported. Niger’s military government agreed in January to step up military cooperation with Russia, …

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases
1 year ago

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A top Pentagon official told …

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases
1 year ago

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A top Pentagon official told Congress on Thursday that the U.S. has not received a formal request from Niger’s junta to depart the country, saying it has received mixed signals on whether the hundreds of U.S. troops there are no longer welcome. Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, told the House Armed Services Committee …

Did Russia, Iran provoke Niger walkout from US military pact?
1 year ago

Did Russia, Iran provoke Niger walkout from US military pact?

Al Jazeera  

Niger’s ruling military angered by US accusations of ‘secret deals’ with Iran and partnering with Russia. The “status of forces” agreement, signed in 2012, allowed about 1,000 US military personnel and civilian defence staff to operate from Niger, which plays a central role in the US military’s operations in the Sahel. “Niger is the centre of US operations in West …

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
1 year ago

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is working with Niger officials, seeking a way for U.S. troops to stay in the country — a key base for counterterrorism operations in sub-Saharan Africa — following a weekend directive that they leave. Last week a high level-delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense …

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
1 year ago

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Pentagon is working with …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States scrambled on …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Hindu  

The United States scrambled on March 17 to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger's junta said it was ending its years-long military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by Marine Gen. …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States scrambled on Sunday to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger’s junta said it was ending its yearslong military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by …

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified
1 year ago

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Niger’s junta said Saturday the U.S. military presence in the country is no longer justified, making the announcement on state television after holding high-level talks with U.S. diplomatic and military officials this week. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and is home to a major airbase. He said Niger …

Niger's junta says U.S. military presence is no longer justified
1 year ago

Niger's junta says U.S. military presence is no longer justified

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Niger's junta said Saturday the …

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman
1 year ago

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman

Al Jazeera  

The suspension follows an earlier move that has seen thousands of French soldiers exit the West African nation. Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”, according to the ruling military spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane, in a blow to US security interests in the region. The pact allowed US military personnel and civilian defence staff …

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation

LA Times  

Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, front center, makes a statement on July 26, 2023, in Niamey, Niger, as a delegation of military officers appeared on Niger State TV announcing their coup d’etat. The U.S. is scrambling to assess its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region of Africa after the ruling junta in Niger said it was ending military cooperation with Washington. …

France completes military withdrawal from Niger, leaving a gap in the terror fight in the Sahel
1 year, 3 months ago

France completes military withdrawal from Niger, leaving a gap in the terror fight in the Sahel

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — France on Friday completed the withdrawal of its troops after they were asked to leave Niger by the country’s new junta, ending years of on-the-ground military support and raising concerns from analysts about a gap in the fight against jihadi violence across the Sahel region of Africa. France already announced this week that it would close its …

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta on Monday scrapped two key military agreements that the West African nation signed with the European Union to help fight the violence in Africa’s Sahel region as the country’s army leaders and a senior Russian defense official discussed military cooperation. Before the coup that deposed the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, Niger had been the West …

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure
1 year, 5 months ago

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — France has completed the withdrawal of troops from a northern base in Niger as part of a planned departure from the West African country in the wake of July’s military coup. Nearly 200 troops, 28 trucks and two dozen armored vehicles left the Ouallam military base, which has been handed to Niger, a junta spokesman, Col. Maj. …

French troops are starting to withdraw from Niger and junta leaders give UN head 72 hours to leave
1 year, 5 months ago

French troops are starting to withdraw from Niger and junta leaders give UN head 72 hours to leave

Associated Press  

COTONOU, Benin — French troops have started leaving Niger more than two months after mutinous soldiers toppled the African country’s democratically elected president, the military said Wednesday. The military rulers had wanted Niger’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Bakary Yaou Sangare, who was made foreign minister after the coup, to speak on its behalf at the General Assembly. However, …

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training
1 year, 5 months ago

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. In August, Niger’s military rulers said they would restore constitutional order within three years and would decide on the country’s roadmap through the results from a national dialogue. The Biden administration had been …

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training
1 year, 5 months ago

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training

LA Times  

The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. Senior administration officials told reporters that the U.S. was taking action after exhausting all avenues to preserve constitutional order in the West African nation, including urging the military leaders to restore civilian rule within …

Niger's junta says jihadis kill 29 soldiers as attacks ramp up
1 year, 5 months ago

Niger's junta says jihadis kill 29 soldiers as attacks ramp up

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 29 Nigerien soldiers …

Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup
1 year, 6 months ago

Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — An attack by Islamic extremists in western Niger killed at least a dozen soldiers and wounded seven others, the West African nation’s military junta said. The soldiers were on a mission in the Tillaberi region town of Kandadji when hundreds of jihadis on motorcycles attacked them Thursday, Gen. Salifou Mody, Niger’s defense minister, said in a statement. …

France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel
1 year, 6 months ago

France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In response, the junta welcomed the end of “imperialist and neo-colonialist forces" and said …

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