By John Ikani
The United States is repositioning its troops and military equipment within Niger, as reported by CNN.
A military official revealed that troops will shift from Air Base 101 near Niger’s capital, Niamey, to Air Base 201 in Agadez, situated in central Niger.
The latter is the base from which the US conducts its intelligence and reconnaissance operations.
While the US will also withdraw some non-essential personnel, the exact number of personnel to be removed has not been specified.
Despite the suspension of intelligence and reconnaissance missions following the July 26 coup, the US has maintained its military presence in Niger.
A US official was quoted by CNN, stating, “The move was done out of an abundance of caution and it does not represent a significant change in the overall numbers of military personnel within the country.”
Currently, the US has approximately 1,100 troops stationed at the two air bases and its embassy in Niamey.
The relocation of troops and military equipment between these two bases, which are more than 450 miles apart, was carried out in close coordination with the Nigerien military.
While the coup unfolded at a time when the US did not have an ambassador in Niger, it later deployed Kathleen FitzGibbon to lead its mission in the country.
Her primary diplomatic focus will be advocating for a peaceful solution that upholds Niger’s constitutional order and the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all unlawfully detained individuals.
The US, however, has not officially labelled the situation in Niger as a coup and continues to emphasize diplomatic efforts.
