Diplomatic Tensions Soar as U.S. Withdraws Majority of Troops from Chad and Niger

Washington, D.C. – The Pentagon announced plans on Thursday to withdraw the majority of U.S. troops stationed in Chad and Niger as part of a broader effort to reevaluate security agreements critical for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region.

This decision comes as both nations reconsider their military partnerships with the United States.

The strategic shift follows the termination of an essential status-of-forces agreement by Niger's ruling junta, which previously permitted U.S. forces to operate within its borders.

Additionally, Chad has begun to question the scope of its agreement with the U.S., particularly regarding the presence of American troops. As a result, the Pentagon will begin relocating most of the approximately 100 U.S. forces deployed in Chad.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder elaborated on the developments, noting that the repositioning from Chad is temporary and linked to the ongoing review of security cooperation, expected to resume post-Chad's May 6 presidential election.

"As talks continue with Chadian officials, U.S. AFRICOM is currently planning to reposition some U.S. military forces from Chad, some portions of which were already scheduled to depart," Ryder stated during a press briefing.

In Niger, discussions have also commenced concerning the orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces. Meetings held in Niamey aimed to initiate dialogue between U.S. and Nigerien officials, with further discussions scheduled to ensure a coordinated and respectful withdrawal process.

These status-of-forces agreements are pivotal for the U.S. to conduct counterterrorism operations and military training within the borders of both African nations.

The recent reversals are raising concerns about diminishing U.S. influence in Africa, especially in the face of increasing overtures from Russia and China.

Niger has notably pivoted towards Russia for security support following a military coup that ousted its democratically elected president in July.

Adm. Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, emphasized the potential implications of these developments.

"If we are asked to leave, and after negotiations that's the way it plays out, then we are going to have to recalculate and figure out a new way to do it," Grady remarked in an interview with The Associated Press.

The U.S. has a significant presence in Niger, home to a major U.S. air base in Agadez, which supports manned and unmanned surveillance flights essential for regional security operations.

Since 2013, the U.S. has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in training Niger's military, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships in combating jihadi violence in the Sahel.

The unfolding situation highlights the complex dynamics of international military cooperation and the strategic recalibrations necessary when geopolitical relationships evolve.