Niamey, Niger - In a significant development, United States troops have officially withdrawn from Niger, following an order from the country's government to vacate the premises.
According to US Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, the withdrawal from Air Base 101 is nearing completion, with the government of Niger set to assume control of the former US areas and facilities.
The development comes after the new government in Niger, which took power last year, requested Washington to remove its nearly 1,000-strong contingent by September 15. The government claimed that the US had failed to fulfill its promise to assist in combating jihadist militants that have plagued the Sahel region for decades.
In a surprising turn of events, Russian instructors have already been deployed to Air Base 101 to train Niger's military, according to Reuters. The presence of Russian forces is estimated to be under 100, according to a Nigerian interlocutor.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the regional dynamics, with the US ceding its military presence in the country. The move is seen as a blow to US interests in the region, and a potential gain for Russia's expanding influence in Africa.
The development has sparked concerns among regional experts, who fear the potential for increased instability in the already volatile Sahel region.
The US government has yet to comment on the withdrawal, but sources suggest that the move is a result of diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
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