Hundreds of Nigeriens protested demanding the US military to end its presence in this African nation.

The crowd gathered on April 21 in the town of Agadez, northern Niger, where the US has an air base, carrying a large banner with the words “This is Agadez, not Washington, US military go home”.

“Our message is clear: US troops, pack up and go home,” said Issouf Emoud, the leader of the M62 movement, which opposes foreign troops in Niger.

Emoud organized similar protests last year demanding that French troops leave Niger.

Activist Amobi Arandishu stated that the presence of the US military in Niger “does not bring any security benefits”. He said armed groups still roam the region, while foreign armies come to Niger only for their own interests.

In July 2023, the Nigerien military staged a coup and overthrew former President Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of the West. The military government of Niger then demanded that French and other European forces leave, shifting towards seeking support from Russia.

The military government of Niger announced in March that it was canceling military cooperation with the US. Brigadier General Amadou Abdramane, spokesman for the Nigerien military government, accused the US of “intending to deny the people of Niger their choice of partners and forms of cooperation capable of helping the country counter terrorism.” The US has about 1,000 troops stationed in Niger. Washington has built a $100 million base there to operate drone aircraft.

On April 19, the US agreed to withdraw its troops from Niger after a meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. A delegation from Washington is expected to arrive in Niger in the coming days to ensure that the withdrawal of troops proceeds orderly.

Russian military trainers arrived in Niger this month with an air defense system and other equipment, following talks between military government leader Abdourahamane Tiani and Russian President Vladimir Putin.