Following deteriorating relations between the two American nations, including calls for American troops to left, the United States is expected to start pulling troops out of Chad and Niger.
A U.S. return or significant discharge of both nations is anticipated to have a significant impact on Washington’s efforts to launch counterterrorism operations in Africa, where Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and other radical groups are still at large.
There are about 1, 000 U. S. soldiers in Niger and about 100 in Chad. Russia is expanding its influence in Africa, so the prospective departure of those troops comes as well.
A U. S. committee met this week with officials in Niamey, Niger, to explain a safe withdrawal of American troops from the state, according to the Pentagon.
The group includes U. S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, the chairman of plan, proposal and plans at U. S. Africa Command.
A follow-up meeting involving other Defense Department officials will be held next year, according to Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, to” arrange the withdrawal process in a clear manner and with common respect.”
Ryder argued that it is assumed that all American troops would quickly leave Niger, but that the Pentagon “remains committed to combating violent extremist businesses in West Africa.”
The ministry will continue to support whole of government initiatives to work with American leaders to maintain balance and combat terrorist threats in the region, including addressing the root causes of insecurity,” according to Ryder.
A military coup in Niger in July of last year shook the country, and coup leaders have pushed for an American leave. The military coup reportedly benefits Moscow by cooperating with Russia’s secret paramilitary organization, the Wagner Group, which has a huge presence in Africa.
Although there are upcoming elections in May that could give the martial in Chad the power it once held over the region three years ago, it is still possible to retake control of the country.
Ryder claimed that U.S. Africa Command is even speaking with Chadian leaders and that it intends to relocate some troops out of the nation, despite the fact that some had already made plans to leave.
” This is a temporary step”, he said of the shifting in Chad,” as part of a continuous assessment of our protection assistance, which will begin after Chad’s May 6 political election”.
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