In a joint statement, Niger and the US announced that they had achieved an agreement on the US forces’ withdrawal from the West African nation, which has already started and will be completed by September 15.
The United States was instructed to remove its almost 1,000 military soldiers from Niger by the country’s ruling junta last month. Niger had been a crucial ally of Washington in its battle against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more, until a coup occurred there last year.
Following a five-day conference, the US Department of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Niger came to an agreement that ensures the safety of American troops until their withdrawal and lays out steps to facilitate their admission and departure.
“The Ministry of Defence of Niger and the US Department of Defense recall the common sacrifices of the Nigerien and American forces in the fight against terrorism and welcome the mutual efforts made in building up the Nigerien armed forces,” according to a joint statement.
“The withdrawal of American forces from Niger in no way affects the pursuit of relations between the United States and Niger in the area of development. Also, Niger and the United States are committed to an ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations.”
