US Troops Leaving Niger Amid Shift in Alliances
All American soldiers are getting ready to leave Niger, ending their part in the fight against Islamist rebels.
Niger’s military leaders, who took control in a coup last year, have been getting closer to Russia lately.
The US also said it will shut down its drone base near Agadez in the Sahara desert.
Niger is in the Sahel region of Africa, where the Islamic State group is very active.
The US has been using Niger as a main base to keep an eye on jihadists in the area.
Soon, a group from the US will go to Niger’s capital, Niamey, to plan how the troops will leave.
This move is not good news for President Biden’s team, as they didn’t want to leave.
The US spent a lot of money building a military base there six years ago, and it’s been important for fighting jihadists.
But Niger’s leaders aren’t as friendly with the US and France now, especially after the coup. They want to work more with Russia for security.
Recent reports say Russian instructors and new air defense systems are in Niger.
Niger is also making new partnerships with countries led by military juntas, like Burkina Faso and Mali.
They’ve left groups like Ecowas and the G5 Sahel force, saying they want more control over their own security.
This change in alliances is a big deal for the region and for how countries deal with security threats like jihadists.
(Based on BBC News)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68860092