German Troops Withdraw from Niger After 8 Years, Leaving a Void in the Sahel

After eight years of deployment, German troops have withdrawn from Niger, leaving behind a void in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. The departure comes amidst increasing political instability in the region, fueled by a growing Russian influence. The Bundeswehr’s air base in Niamey, which served as a logistical hub for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, has been vacated, with the last German soldiers returning to Germany. Niger’s military government, which seized power last year, has increasingly aligned itself with Russia, raising concerns about Moscow’s growing presence in the Sahel. This shift marks a significant turning point for the region, as Niger was once considered a key partner for the West in counterterrorism efforts. The Bundeswehr’s withdrawal highlights the challenges faced by European countries in maintaining their presence in the volatile Sahel region.