In different regions the Biden administration struggles with its foreign policy such as in the Middle East. Along with the Middle East it has faced setbacks in sub-Saharan Africa. In March, the military leaders of Niger, who took over after overthrowing the government in July 2023, told the United States to remove its 1,100 Army and Air Force troops. Most of these troops are stationed at a $110 million base built six years ago.
There are many efforts done to change Nigeria’s decision but not a single one can work. Finally on April 19, the US State department announced that the troops would leave as per instructions. After this announcement, the neighboring country named as Chad, also also demanded that U.S. forces stationed there leave, threatening to end the agreement that allows their presence.
Many American Soldiers fought against terrorism with million drones and joint patrols alongside Nigerian forces during last year before the government changed.
In July US military stopped the support because Niger had no longer democratic government. In October, the U.S. called the change in government a “coup,” which, according to U.S. policy, meant stopping all military operations in Niger except for self-defense. This also led to cutting $500 million in non-humanitarian aid. The U.S. stated that bringing back democracy in Niger is their top priority, even more important than counterterrorism efforts.
The junta disagrees with the United State military being in Niger. Additionally he demanded immediate leave after declaring it illegal. At the same time the public refused to accept this decision and protested to oppose it. Earlier, the junta also told about 1,500 French soldiers and the French ambassador to leave because of France‘s colonial history in Niger. Recently, French troops and diplomats were also expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Approximately 1100 American troops have been stuck in Niger for many months. Furthermore, the situation became severe in Niger and nearby areas such as the Sahel region. In this area, six other governments have been taken over in the last three and a half years. Niger has said no or ignored requests for U.S. military planes to come in or leave. Since a coup in July, attacks by groups like ISIS and al Qaeda in Niger have gone up a lot because U.S. and Nigerien forces aren’t teaming up like before.
Last month a letter written by American Soldier published in the Washington Post. The letter was regarding to the American troops. He said that troops could not do their main job. They were told to just stay put. The soldier mentioned that because of long talks and not getting permission to fly, they couldn’t go back home to their families. They felt like they were being held against their will because of the State Department’s failed talks. He blamed two persons that they don’t sharing the correct information about troops. US Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon and Colonel Nora J. Nelson-Richter are responsible for the failure of the troops.
According to Alberto Fernandez, “The administration’s distracted, sputtering performance in Africa is having painful consequences for our priorities.”He is currently working with the Middle East Research Institute.
Terrorist groups are getting stronger again in West Africa. Now, the governments there are asking Russia for help. Unlike the US, Russia doesn’t care if a country is a democracy or not when it comes to helping with military stuff.
Russia’s private military group, called the Wagner Group, has been in Africa since 2017. But lately, they’ve been sending more soldiers to places like Mali and Burkina Faso, taking over from the French.
The government of Chad and Niger invited Russia to come in before the American Soldiers left these countries. According to J.Peter Pham, it is the best opportunity. Now he used to represent the U.S. in the Sahel region. According to him, the Biden administration handled the situation very well and made this possible.
According to Chadian media a lot of soldiers, approximately 130 came to Chad last month. These soldiers belong to the group called Wagner. For the purpose of training, some soldier also come in Niger from Russia
There are concerns that agents from Iran are in Niger, trying to get rights to uranium in exchange for weapons. The U.S. tried to stop this, but it seems like they couldn’t.
