US begins slow withdrawal from Niger after Niamey scraps defense pact

US Africa Command said it will withdraw a majority of its 800 troops over a three to five-year period.

The withdrawal comes after Niger's government ended a 2013 defense pact with the US.

The US has begun a slow withdrawal of its troops from Niger after the country's government scrapped a defense pact that allowed the US to operate drones and conduct counterterrorism operations from a base in the country.

The move comes after Niger's government ended a 2013 defense pact with the US. The US had about 800 troops stationed in Niger, and the withdrawal will see the majority of those troops leave over a three to five-year period.

The US Africa Command said in a statement that the withdrawal is "a result of the US government's decision to reduce its military footprint in Africa." The statement added that the US "will continue to work with Niger and other partners in the region to promote security and stability."

The withdrawal from Niger is part of a larger US effort to reduce its military presence in Africa. The US has been withdrawing troops from Somalia and is planning to reduce its presence in other countries in the region.

The US withdrawal from Niger is likely to have a significant impact on the country's security. Niger is facing a number of security challenges, including terrorism from groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The US withdrawal could also create a vacuum that could be filled by other countries, such as Russia or China.