US disengagement continues smoothly

NIAMEY, Niger – The planned withdrawal of US troops from military bases in Niger continues, with the first phase of the withdrawal completed yesterday evening at Niamey Air Base 101. The operation officially began on June 7, 2024, marked by the signing of the document handing over the US facilities to the Nigerien Armed Forces.

The logistical exercises and personnel withdrawal are being carried out under the joint supervision of Nigerien and US military authorities, about 50 days after the signing of the US disengagement agreement, which stipulates the closure of all US military bases in Niger, including those in Niamey, Agadez and Diffa, by a deadline of September 15, 2024.

The first phase of this transition ended on the night of July 7-8, 2024, with the signing of the transfer of rights of way in Niamey and Oualam. The Nigerien Ministry of Defense and the United States Department of Defense announced that the withdrawal of U.S. troops and equipment from the 101st Air Base in Niamey is now complete.

The transition began on May 19, 2024, with the signing of the withdrawal conditions and a handover ceremony in the presence of the Joint Disengagement Commission. The US troops departed on a Global Master 3 aircraft of the US Air Force from the 101st Air Force Base, which is considered a location for security cooperation. The base houses US personnel and assets as part of the fight against terrorist organizations in the region.

Thanks to effective coordination and communication between the Nigerian and U.S. militaries, the operation was completed ahead of schedule and without any complications. With the closure of the U.S. 101 Air Base complex, U.S. forces will now focus on withdrawing from 201 Air Base in Agadez. Nigerien and U.S. officials are committed to ensuring a safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal by September 15, 2024, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the protection and safety of U.S. forces in the process.

Since the disengagement process began, no incidents have been reported, which is a testament to the professionalism of both parties and their desire to bring this process to a successful conclusion. The two sides toured together the US facilities at Base 101, which has now been handed over to the Nigerien Army, including the airfield and housing for US soldiers. The last group of US military personnel and equipment of the first phase left the base at around 15:00 midnight.

The ongoing cooperation between Niger and the United States during this transition period exemplifies withdrawal management, with a strong focus on security and respect for mutual commitments.

Boubacar Guédé (Nigerien expatriate)