🎬 Nowhere to go

CONFLICT
Where does the US turn to after forced Niger exit?

Public opinion has it that you’ll probably be able to get yourself a nice spot anywhere to put up in as long as you can afford the rent. Well, Washington is now seeking a plan B after its troops were ejected from their sprawling, expensive military bases in Niger.

After 11 years and millions of dollars collaborating on defense projects, the US finally pulled its troops out of Niger yesterday in a divorce, many reckon is a huge blow to Washington’s influence in the Sahel Region.

Why is this happening?

Ties between the two countries collapsed immediately after the military takeover in June 2023, when the Nigerien junta canceled a 10-year-long military security agreement and told the US -who at the time was pushing for a transition to civilian rule- to vacate the country by September 15th.

While other Western countries were open to denouncing the military takeover, the US surprisingly kept quiet, hoping to either fully align with the military junta or outrightly topple it.

Now what? With its strongest regional ally gone, the United States Africa Command unit (AFRICOM) is now turning to possible new partners. However, its options are limited by its rivalry with Russia which is also seeking influence in the region. Senior US military officials, including AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley, toured parts of coastal West Africa in April including Benin and Cote d’Ivoire for what the US described as “constructive dialogue” with the countries’ leaders.

Do or die affair. For the US military, it is important that American troops remain in the region, Karr said. While the US only had bases in Niger, it maintains a presence in Ghana, Senegal and Gabon.

“I think if the US left, it would essentially be sending a message that it’s a bad partner. Also, if countries face challenges, they’ll partner with anyone, including Russia, which the US obviously doesn’t want,” Liam Karr, who leads a conflict monitoring group said.

Also important. Anti-US sentiment across West Africa is hale and hearty, with many Ghanaian citizens decrying that “US troops cause problems wherever they go”, reflecting the negative image West Africans have of US military operations. —GN.

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