According to Gateway Pundit, the U.S. has officially transferred its final military bases in Niger to the Nigerien authorities, marking the conclusion of a significant counterterrorism mission in the region. The handover was completed on August 5, 2024, with the transfer of Airbase 201 in Agadez, following the earlier withdrawal from Airbase 101 in Niamey. The U.S. exit was prompted by Niger’s military junta terminating the agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the country in March 2024.
The military junta in Niger, which overthrew the democratically elected president in 2023, has been steering the nation towards alliances with other international players, particularly Russia. This shift in alliances has led to the deterioration of relations between Niger and its Western allies, including the United States. The junta's decision to terminate the agreement with the U.S. has paved the way for Moscow to replace the U.S. and France as Niger's security partners, with Russian troops moving into the former U.S. bases.
WATCH: KAMALA'S DEBATE AND FIRST INTERVIEW HAD IDENTICAL REHEARSED ANSWERS
The junta's rule has been marked by significant human rights violations, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition members, government officials, and journalists. The suspension of the constitution, imposition of exit bans on citizens, and seizure of wealth have further tarnished the junta's reputation. Media freedom has been severely curtailed, with journalists facing threats, harassment, and arrests, leading many to self-censor for fear of reprisals.
DESANTIS VOWS TO FULLY INVESTIGATE SECOND TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
The U.S. military presence in Niger was primarily aimed at combating Islamist terrorist groups in the Sahel region, including those linked to al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State. The Sahel region has experienced a surge of military coups in recent years, making Niger the last remaining democracy and the last stable base for U.S. counterterrorism operations.
WATCH: THIS IS TIM WALZ'S WIFE
August 09, 2024
With the U.S. military withdrawal, there is a heightened risk of further escalation of terrorist activity in the region, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISIS-K, and groups affiliated with al-Qaeda. This not only threatens Niger but also regional partners like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, which have relied on U.S. support for intelligence and military training to combat these terrorist threats.
A WOMAN’S PRIVACY SHATTERED: MELANIA TRUMP SPEAKS OUT ON THE PAIN OF THE FBI RAID
Following the handover of the U.S. bases in Niger, the U.S. military now maintains only one permanent base on the entire continent: Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. In addition to Camp Lemonnier, the United States Africa Command maintains several temporary or contingency locations in Africa, including military presences in Kenya, Cameroon, and Egypt. These bases are not considered permanent but are utilized for specific missions, training, and support for local forces.
TRUMP WOULD-BE ASSASSIN HAS SHOCKINGLY LONG CRIMINAL RECORD, IMAGINE THAT?!
China state media was quick to capitalize on the US withdrawal, stating that Niger’s decision demonstrates “local vigilance, opposition toward hegemony.” The Global Times, mouthpiece of the Communist Party of Chinese (CCP) reported, “For Niger, the complete withdrawal of the US troops means that the African country is continuing on the path of getting rid of Western military intervention. It is also a move toward complete independence from Western countries.” This statement is ironic, given that Niger will now fall deeper into Moscow’s orbit and will be hosting the Russian military. In return for Russian military training, weapons, and support, Moscow aims to gain control of Niger’s uranium mines, which were previously operated by France.
TWO NYC FIRE CHIEFS ARRESTED AFTER RETIRING ON MAYOR ADAMS WATCH!
The U.S.'s departure from key military bases weakens its ability to conduct counterterrorism operations in West Africa, potentially allowing terrorist groups to operate more freely. This retreat also signals a diminishing U.S. influence in the region, opening the door for Russia and China to expand their presence and influence. Russia, in particular, has already begun to establish a stronger foothold in Niger and the region, providing military support to all of the juntas now controlling the countries of the Sahel, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad.
THE PLOT THICKENS...WHY A PRO-UKRAINE ADVOCATE BROUGHT AN AK-47 TO TRUMP’S FLORIDA GOLF COURSE
This shift could alter the balance of power in West Africa, as regional actors reassess their alliances and strategies. For the U.S., this development will necessitate a restructuring of its counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel and a search for new regional partners to host military operations.
The U.S.'s withdrawal from Niger may be perceived globally as a retreat from its commitments, potentially affecting its image as a reliable partner in global security. This message will likely be amplified by Russia and directed at Ukraine, as well as by China towards Taiwan. This perception could have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy, influencing the dynamics of its competition with Russia and China not only in Africa but also in other strategic regions around the world.
MAYOR ADAMS’ ADMINISTRATION IN TURMOIL: KEY ADVISER RESIGNS FOLLOWING SEIZURE OF PHONES
Particularly in the Middle East, which now stands on the brink of a major conflict, several Islamic extremist groups in the Sahel, particularly those linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, have pledged their support for Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthis. This increased alignment of extremist groups further threatens regional stability and challenges U.S. efforts to maintain influence and security partnerships.
