CNN
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The US has reached an settlement with Niger to withdraw its military forces from the African nation by September 15, in line with the US Protection Division and the Nigerien Ministry of Nationwide Protection.
The newly agreed deadline provides the US 4 months to drawdown fewer than 1,000 troops who stay within the nation, in addition to their gear, which incorporates MQ-9 Reaper drones and different belongings.
Niger’s navy authorities announced in March that it had ended an accord with the US that allowed navy personnel and civilian employees from the Division of Protection to function in the nation.
The US delegation met with Niger’s ruling navy junta final week to attempt to attain an settlement that will enable for the safe withdrawal of US forces and for clearances for navy flights. The flight clearances had been a sticking level within the delicate negotiations wanted to withdraw US forces. Till now, US troops who’ve left Niger took industrial flights, together with as lately as final week, in line with US officers. The remaining troops on the bottom are tasked with drawing down US personnel and gear nonetheless in Niger.
The US delegation was led by Chris Meier, the assistant secretary of protection for particular operations and low-intensity battle. The Nigerien delegation was led by Col.-Maj. Mamane Sani Kiaou, the chief of employees of the Nigerian military.
“Each delegations confirmed the ensures of safety and safety to the American forces throughout their withdrawal. The delegations additionally established procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of U.S. personnel, together with overflight and touchdown clearances for navy flights,” the joint assertion stated.
A deepening divide between the US and the ruling navy junta following the coup final July finally led to the withdrawal, because the Biden administration known as for a path again to free and truthful elections. Rebuffing the calls, the navy junta as a substitute started partnering extra with Russia, whose forces at the moment are operating at the same base from which US forces are withdrawing.
The US and Niger stated they’d proceed to work collectively on areas of “frequent curiosity.”
“America and Niger are dedicated to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to outline the way forward for their bilateral relations,” the assertion stated.