US to Pull Troops from Chad and Niger in Counter-Terrorism Review as Russian Presence Rises

Rewrite: The United States will withdraw most of its troops from Chad and Niger as negotiations continue over agreements governing their roles there for counterterrorism operations, according to the Pentagon. Both African countries have been crucial in US efforts against violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region, but recent events mean it may not be able to stay put any longer – a move that has raised concerns about waning American influence on the continent as Russia and China increase their presence there instead. Niger’s ruling junta terminated an agreement last month allowing US troops to operate in West Africa while Chad also questioned whether its existing deal covered those forces stationed there more recently. U.S.-Nigerien officials will discuss ways for American soldiers to depart orderly from the region, with further talks scheduled next week between senior Pentagon and Niger officials aimed at coordinating a transparent withdrawal process that respects mutual interests. The reversals have raised fears about waning US influence in Africa as Russia boosted its military presence there by sending trainers earlier this month who will reinforce air defenses using Russian equipment, which they’ll teach locals to use instead of relying on Western allies like France and the United States for support. Niger is home to a major U.S.-run base that plays an important role in surveillance operations across Sahel where jihadi violence has been spreading among groups affiliated with al-Qaida and IS, including more than 1,000 American soldiers operating from there. However, the Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Admiral Christopher Grady told The Associated Press that if both countries ultimately decide US forces cannot remain in either country after negotiations have concluded, alternative solutions will need to be found for running counterterrorism missions across Sahel instead – though no final decision has yet been taken regarding a pullout from Niger.
The announcement came two years almost precisely following Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s statement that the US was planning on withdrawing its troops in Africa, with many speculating at the time whether this would include forces stationed there as part of Operation Octave Spearhead (OOSH) – a mission aimed primarily at counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. The Pentagon has not yet confirmed or denied these claims but it does say that both moves reflect temporary actions made “as part of the ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s May 6th presidential election”.
The news was first reported by The New York Times.