By John Ikani
The US has decided to temporarily move some troops out of Chad, following a recent agreement to withdraw all soldiers from neighbouring Niger.
According to US Pentagon Press Secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder, there will be a “repositioning” of military forces from Chad, though specifics on the number affected or their new locations were not disclosed.
“This is a temporary measure during an ongoing security cooperation review, to resume post Chad’s presidential election on 6 May,” he stated.
This move comes after Chad’s air force chief ordered the US to suspend activities at an airbase near N’Djamena earlier this month, as reported by Reuters.
Gen Ryder mentioned ongoing talks with Niger’s military junta, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which started on Wednesday, aiming for a smooth withdrawal of US forces from the country.
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However, the ruling junta, in power since July last year, terminated a military agreement allowing US personnel deployment and expelled French troops.
What You Should Know
The decision by the US to temporarily withdraw troops from Chad and to remove soldiers from Niger carries significant implications for all parties involved.
For the US, it reflects a need to adapt to shifting political and security dynamics in the region while reassessing global military priorities.
Chad may see this as an opportunity to assert its sovereignty while navigating its strategic alliances and security partnerships.
In the wider West African region, the withdrawal of Western forces raises concerns about security cooperation and the potential for jihadist groups to exploit vacuums.
