US military seeks West Africa 'Plan B' after Niger expulsion

In response to Niger's decision to expel U.S. military forces in favor of Russian partnerships, the top U.S. general is on a rare trip to Africa to explore ways to maintain a U.S. presence in West Africa. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated before arriving in Botswana for a meeting of African defense chiefs that he would discuss opportunities with regional partners.

"We see potential opportunities with countries we are already working with in West Africa," Brown mentioned, without specifying which countries were under consideration. However, a U.S. official revealed that preliminary talks had been held with Benin, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.

Replicating the extensive counter-terrorism operations previously based in Niger is unlikely in the near term. The loss of Air Base 201, constructed near Agadez for over $100 million, is significant. The base had been central to joint U.S.-Niger efforts against insurgents causing widespread violence and displacement.

A second U.S. official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that a large-scale military relocation from Niger is not expected. "We do not foresee a major new base or significant military construction," the official noted.

The evolving political dynamics in West and Central Africa, marked by eight coups over four years, present a challenge for the U.S. The new regimes in countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are increasingly aligning with Russia, bypassing Western constraints against supporting coup-installed governments.

Catherine Nzuki of the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted the U.S.'s diminishing influence: "The U.S. had strong partners in the region, but now there's concern about losing these alliances."

The second U.S. official acknowledged the need for reassessment amidst the rapid changes. "We're currently evaluating our goals to adapt to the new realities," they said. The extent to which these revised goals will address the growing threat from Islamist groups in the Sahel remains uncertain.

Despite the planned U.S. withdrawal from Niger by the September 15 deadline, with only 600 troops staying at Air Base 101 in Niamey, there is still hope for future collaboration. "We maintain an embassy and some relations," Brown noted. "The door might not be completely closed, and we will explore ways to rebuild ties if opportunities arise."