The German military has officially concluded its operations in Niger, completing the withdrawal of troops and equipment from its air base in the capital, Niamey. This move marks the end of Germany’s military presence in the West African nation following a breakdown in negotiations with the junta-led government that took power in July 2023.
On Friday, five cargo planes carrying 60 German troops and 146 tons of equipment landed at Wunsdorf air base in Germany around 6:30 pm local time (1630 GMT). State Secretary for Defense Nils Hilmer was present to receive the returning forces, symbolizing the formal conclusion of Germany’s military engagement in Niger.
The withdrawal comes after an interim agreement reached in May, which allowed German forces to continue operating the Niamey air base until the end of August. However, attempts to extend this arrangement failed, primarily due to disagreements over the legal status of German personnel. The junta government was unwilling to continue granting immunity from prosecution to the base’s staff, a condition deemed essential by German authorities.
Senior military officials from both countries read out joint statements at the Niamey air base, emphasizing that while this particular mission has ended, it does not signal the termination of all military cooperation between Niger and Germany. “This withdrawal does not mark the end of military cooperation between Niger and Germany; in fact, the two sides are committed to maintaining military relations,” the statement affirmed.
Germany had maintained a military presence in Niger since February 2016, with the air base once accommodating up to 3,200 personnel. The base played a crucial role in supporting counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region, which has been grappling with jihadist insurgencies and political instability.
The political landscape in Niger shifted dramatically following the coup d’état in July 2023, which ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The military junta that seized power has since distanced itself from traditional Western allies like France and the United States, instead pivoting towards closer relations with Russia and Iran.
This geopolitical realignment mirrors similar shifts in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are also under military rule and facing ongoing threats from jihadist groups. The trend has raised concerns among Western nations about the stability of the Sahel region and the potential for increased Russian influence.
The German withdrawal from Niger reflects the broader challenges facing Western military engagement in the Sahel. As countries like Germany reassess their presence in the region, questions arise about the future of international counterterrorism efforts and the balance of power in West Africa.
While Germany maintains its commitment to some form of military cooperation with Niger, the nature and extent of this relationship remain uncertain. The situation underscores the complex interplay between security concerns, diplomatic relations, and shifting geopolitical allegiances in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
As the last German troops depart Niger, the international community watches closely to see how this development will impact regional stability and the ongoing fight against extremist groups in the Sahel.
VOA
