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The United States has handed over its last military base (airbase 201) in Niger to the local ruling junta following the withdrawal of troops from Airbase 101 last month.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Shortly after a coup replaced Niger’s former government, the military junta announced plans to expel the US military. This decision was influenced by dissatisfaction with the foreign military presence and a “desire” for greater sovereignty. The ruling junta’s actions led to reevaluating foreign alliances, showing a growing preference for Russia over Western powers. This shift was fueled by accusations that the United States and other Western nations, including France, failed to curb Terrorism in the region despite their presence in the country.

More on both bases: Airbase 201 in Agadez was a crucial site for US military operations in the Sahel region, mainly focused on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It housed drones and other aircraft to monitor terrorist activities and gather essential data on extremist groups. In Niger’s capital, Airbase 101 served as a logistical and operational hub for US military activities in West Africa. This included counterterrorism training and support for regional security forces. Both bases played a vital role in the US efforts to combat Terrorism and enhance regional stability.

More on Terrorism in the Sahel: The Sahel region, spanning countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, has continued to face significant terrorist threats from extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and ISIS. These groups, sometimes joining forces, travel between each country’s borders and have announced their intentions to establish an “Islamic state” in the region. Their operations in the area include attacks on civilians and military personnel, kidnappings, enslaving and exploiting women and children.

Displacement in the Sahel: According to the United Nations, Terrorism in the Sahel has caused significant displacement, affecting millions of people. The violence from extremist groups forces residents to flee their homes, seeking safety in other regions or neighboring countries.