The landscape of U.S. military involvement in Africa is shifting dramatically. Amid growing discontent, the U.S. finds itself preparing to withdraw troops from strategic positions in Niger and Chad, marking a significant turn in its foreign policy in the region. The U.S. has long positioned itself as a counterterrorism stronghold in Central and West Africa, but the increasing pushback from local governments signals a call for change that Washington can no longer ignore.
This week, the State Department announced a “responsible withdrawal” of over 1,000 service members from Niger, following closely on the heels of plans to pull 75 Army Special Forces from Chad. This move comes amidst doubts about the continuation or renegotiation of Washington’s status of forces agreement with Chad, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing American military welcome in the Sahel region of Africa.
The U.S. has historically supported military regimes in Niger and Chad with the aim of maintaining counterterrorism ties and safeguarding military assets like the $110 million drone base in Agadez, Niger. However, recent political upheavals across the Sahel—including a series of military coups beginning in 2020 and a sharp rise in anti-Western sentiment—have disrupted this status quo. The new junta governments, echoing public sentiment, have expressed increasing disillusionment with Western military presence, often perceiving it as a continuation of colonial-like exploitation.
Particularly in Niger, the recent coup has followed a now-familiar pattern: the junta has expelled French military forces and sought increased cooperation with alternative partners like Russia, signaling a desire to forge a new path forward free from traditional Western influence. This playbook mirrors actions taken by neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where juntas have also capitalized on nationalistic fervor to consolidate power and reject Western-backed security operations.
In Chad, the dynamics are somewhat different but the outcome similar. After the death of long-time leader Idriss Deby, a palace coup led by his son and regime insiders aimed to preserve the existing power structure. Despite a lack of genuine democratic reform, both France and the U.S. quickly moved to back the new leadership, prioritizing stability over democratic principles. Yet, as Chadian authorities recalibrate their domestic and foreign policies ahead of upcoming presidential elections, they too seem poised to distance themselves from U.S. influences.
The U.S. response to these changes has been muddled, characterized by a mix of desperate last-minute negotiations and continued military training missions that seem increasingly out of step with the realities on the ground. American military efforts, which have often emphasized high-profile raids and targeted assassinations, have not only failed to achieve lasting security improvements but have also drawn criticism for exacerbating violence and civilian distrust in military operations.
As the U.S. navigates its withdrawal, the rhetoric remains tinged with old clichés of military assistance and empowerment, even as the strategic and political landscape evolves rapidly. This clinging to outdated strategies highlights a critical misreading of the situation by U.S. officials, who have been slow to recognize the depth of anti-Western sentiment and the complex realities of contemporary Sahelian politics.
Moving forward, the U.S. faces a crucial choice: continue its current course, which could further alienate regional partners and undermine its own strategic interests, or genuinely reevaluate its approach to international relations in Africa. This could involve a more substantial retreat from military engagements and a focus on non-security partnerships that respect the sovereignty and the developmental aspirations of African nations.
This turning point offers an opportunity for the U.S. to redefine its presence in Africa, not as a military patron, but as a supportive ally in the pursuit of mutual interests and respect-based diplomacy. As the political landscapes of countries like Niger and Chad continue to evolve, so too must U.S. policies if they are to remain relevant and beneficial in the shifting sands of international relations.
