The withdrawal of the United States military contingent from Niger has officially begun, according to Colonel Maman Sani Kioa, the chief of staff of the country’s ground forces. The decision to withdraw over a thousand American servicemen and nearly a thousand tons of military equipment was made about a month ago. This move has raised questions about the future of the American airbase in Niger, which was constructed six years ago at a cost of $110 million.
“The US has officially started withdrawing its troops from Niger. 269 servicemen and 946 tons of military equipment have already left our country,”
In early May, Russian military personnel entered the airbase where American soldiers were stationed after the Nigerien junta ordered the expulsion of US armed forces. Following this, the United States agreed to the request for the withdrawal of its military personnel from Niger.
Back in mid-March, Niger authorities terminated the 2012 military cooperation agreement with the United States, citing that it was forced upon them by Washington. Recently, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – all under military rule – have joined forces to create a confederation, seeking support from Russia and severing ties with France.
Source from theins.ru