US scrambles to salvage Sahel security role
The Pentagon’s press secretary said during and April 25th press briefing that it is seeking to renegotiate its security role in Chad and Niger amid the potential withdrawal of US counter-terrorism forces from the Sahel countries, according to AP. The region, plagued by al-Qaeda and Islamic State-aligned insurgencies, has seen a string of military coups in recent with many countries’ new, military juntas turning away from the west and towards Russia and China for partnership.
Both Niger and Chad have been integral to US’ security role in curbing Islamist extremist groups across the wider Sahel region.
On March 16th, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement allowing US troops to operate in the country while, in recent days, Chad’s has also questioned an existing agreement allowing US troops to operate there.
READ: Russian military instructors land in Niger
The press secretary, Major General Pat Ryder, claimed that the majority of the 1,000 US personnel stationed in Niger is expected to depart, and that officials from Washington and Niamey are expected to meet to “to coordinate the withdrawal process in a transparent manner and with mutual respect.”
Relations between Niger and Wester countries have frayed since a July 26th, 2023, coup d’état that ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The country’s ruling junta has since expelled French forces, ending over a decade of military cooperation with Paris.
On April 10th, Reuters reported the arrival of Russian military instructors and equipment in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, a clear indication of the junta’s new affiliation.
Ryder also claimed that “as talks continue with Chadian officials,” Washington will relocate most of the 100-strong force it has stationed in Chad but that this was a “temporary step as part of the ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s May 6 presidential election.”
READ: Chad: Opposition leader was killed in cold blood
The US “status-of-forces agreements” with Niger and Chad, allowed the Washington to conduct critical counterterrorism operations within the countries’ borders, as-well-as supporting military partner training. Their reversals have prompted concerns that the US is losing ground to China and Russia, in the battle for influence in Africa.
Joint Chiefs Vice-Chairman Admiral Christopher Grady said on April 24th, that the Washington will have to look for alternative bases for Sahel counter-terrorism operations if Niger and Chad choose to permanently expel US forces.
AP / Reuters
