US pulling troops from Chad, Niger

The U.S. is expected to begin pulling troops out of Chad and Niger following deteriorating relations with both of the African countries, including demands for American forces to leave.

A U.S. exit or large drawdown from both countries is expected to have a wide impact on Washington’s efforts to conduct counterterrorism operations in Africa, where Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram and other extremist groups remain at large.

There are about 1,000 U.S. troops in Niger and about 100 in Chad. The potential withdrawal of those troops also comes as Russia is increasing its influence in Africa.

A U.S. delegation met this week with officials in Niamey, Niger, to discuss a safe withdrawal of American troops from the country, according to the Pentagon.

The delegation includes U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, the director of strategy, engagement and programs at U.S. Africa Command.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters Thursday there will be a follow-up meeting involving other Defense Department officials next week to “coordinate the withdrawal process in a transparent manner and with mutual respect.”

Ryder said the assumption is that all U.S. troops will soon leave Niger, but stressed the Pentagon “remains committed to countering violent extremist organizations in West Africa.”

“The department will continue to support whole of government approaches to work with African leaders to maintain stability and address terrorist threats in the region, including addressing core issues that drive insecurity,” Ryder said.

Niger was rocked by a military coup in July of last year, and junta leaders have pushed for a U.S. exit. The military junta allegedly has close ties with Russia’s private paramilitary company the Wagner Group, which has a sizable presence in Africa, benefiting Moscow.

The military in Chad also seized power there three years ago, though there are upcoming elections in May that could return authority back to elected officials.

Ryder said U.S. Africa Command is also talking with Chadian officials and plan to reposition some troops out of the country, though he said some had already planned to depart.

“This is a temporary step,” he said of the repositioning in Chad, “as part of a ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s May 6 presidential election.”