On Saturday, April 13th, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Niamey, the capital of Niger, demanding the withdrawal of United States troops from the country. This demonstration comes after Niger’s military government, which took power in a coup last year, decided to terminate a military accord with the U.S. and began establishing closer ties with Russia.
The protest reflected growing sentiments against the foreign military presence in Niger, echoing previous demonstrations that led to the expulsion of French forces last year. Protesters waved Nigerien flags and held signs with messages such as “USA rush out of Niger,” showcasing widespread support for the military government’s recent actions.
Maria Saley, a protester interviewed at the scene, articulated the crowd’s stance, stating, “We’re here to say no to the American base; we don’t want Americans on our soil.” The crowd also chanted slogans like “Down with American imperialism,” signifying a strong nationalistic and anti-imperialist current among the participants.
Niger has historically been an important ally to Western countries, providing a strategic base for operations aimed at combating extremist groups in West Africa’s Sahel region. However, the recent shift has seen the new military rulers of Niger suspending military agreements with the U.S. and instead inviting Russian military instructors and accepting military equipment from Moscow.
The U.S. has maintained approximately 1,000 military personnel in Niger, primarily at Air Base 201 near Agadez, which has been a critical site for drone operations targeting jihadist groups. This base, constructed at a cost of over $100 million, has been central to U.S. efforts in the region since 2018.
While the protests and the government’s shift in alliances reflect a significant realignment in Niger’s foreign policy, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the immediate future of U.S. military presence in the country. The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the demands for troop withdrawal, and it is unclear how quickly or effectively the military agreements with Russia will replace the long-standing arrangements with the United States.
As Niger navigates this complex transitional period, the international community watches closely. The implications of these changes are profound, potentially reshaping security, economic, and political dynamics not only in Niger but across the broader Sahel region.
