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A US general says the morality of withdrawing US troops from Niger is ‘mixed’
U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman said the evacuation of American soldiers from Niger’s 101st Air Base has been basically completed.
Ekman told Reuters by video link on Friday that a farewell ceremony for the last C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to leave the base, next to the capital’s Niamey international airport, is scheduled for Sunday.
“Niger government to take over former US areas and facilities” He stressed that after the US troops withdrew from the West African country.
The new government, which came to power a year ago by overthrowing pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum, earlier this year demanded that Washington withdraw its nearly 1,000 troops by Sept. 15. Niamey says the United States has failed to live up to promises to help fight jihadist militants who have plagued the Sahel region for decades.
According to Reuters, Russian instructors have been sent to the 101st Air Force Base to provide training to the Nigerien army, even though the US withdrawal has not yet been completed.
“The last time I spoke to a Nigerian interlocutor, he estimated the Russian troops to be less than 100. He also talked about how when the Russians finished their training, they told the Russians they had to go home,” said Ekman, who is overseeing the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.
He said the U.S. would next focus on clearing out Air Base 201, a $100 million drone facility near the central Niger city of Agadez. The evacuation from the base could be completed as early as August, the major general added.
Ekman said morale at both bases was “mix” Due to the uncertainty caused by the withdrawal. “When you’re in a meeting with Airmen and Soldiers, you have all kinds of feelings, from laughter to tears.” He said. The major general described the development as “Really unfortunate” relations between Washington and Niamey.
Ekman stressed that the base was in good condition when the U.S. soldiers left and only took away valuable equipment. “It eliminates the options needed for the future of both countries. Our security objectives remain intertwined.” He explained.
Niamey’s new government has also severed ties with former colonial ruler France, resulting in all French soldiers leaving the country by the end of 2023.
read more: Pentagon denies plans to build base in southern African country
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier this year that Moscow would continue its efforts to help Sahel countries improve their combat capabilities, security forces and law enforcement agencies to strengthen regional security.
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