Hundreds Protest in Niger Demanding U.S. Troop Withdrawal as Russia Increases Involvement

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Agadez, Niger on Saturday to demand the withdrawal of around 1,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country. The protesters waved flags from Niger, Mali, and Russia while holding placards calling for the American forces to leave. "American soldiers pack your bags and go home," said one of the protest organizers.

The demonstration comes after Niger's ruling military junta terminated a defense agreement with the U.S. last month, citing violations of the country's constitution and sovereignty. The junta, which seized power in a coup last July, has accused the U.S. military presence of being "illegal" and "of no use for our security." Niger has also ended military cooperation deals with France and the European Union.

Meanwhile, Russia has been increasing its involvement in Niger and the broader Sahel region. Russian military instructors recently arrived in Niger to train the country's army and help set up an air defense system. The protesters in Agadez were seen carrying Russian flags, reflecting the growing ties between Niger's new authorities and Moscow.

The U.S. has agreed to withdraw its troops from Niger in the coming months, marking a significant shift in the regional geopolitical landscape. The U.S. forces, primarily stationed at an air base near Agadez for drone operations against jihadist groups, will present a plan for their "orderly and responsible" departure. However, the U.S. says it will maintain diplomatic and economic relationships with Niger despite the troop withdrawal.

Why this matters: The expulsion of U.S. troops from Niger and the country's pivot towards Russia signals a broader trend in the Sahel region, where military juntas have taken power in Mali and Burkina Faso as well. The erosion of Western influence and the growing Russian presence has significant implications for regional security and stability, as the area continues to grapple with a jihadist insurgency.

Niger faces ongoing security threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants, particularly in the southeastern region bordering Nigeria. The U.S. troop withdrawal comes at a time when the Nigerien government is seeking to strengthen its defense capabilities with Russian assistance. A spokesperson for the Nigerien military stated, "The U.S. has committed to presenting a plan for the disengagement of their troops, but the full withdrawal has yet to occur."

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds protest in Niger, demand withdrawal of 1,000 U.S. troops stationed there.
• Niger's military junta terminated defense agreement with U.S., accusing presence as "illegal".
• Niger ended military cooperation with France, EU, and is increasing ties with Russia.
• U.S. agrees to withdraw troops from Niger in coming months, a significant geopolitical shift.
• Troop withdrawal comes as Niger seeks to strengthen defense with Russian assistance.