![A C-130 US Air Force plane lands as Nigerien soldiers stand in formation during military exercise with US Special Forces in Diffa region in 2014 [File: Joe Penney/Reuters]](https://titapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/niger-1.webp)
The United States military has announced the resumption of drone and crewed aircraft operations in Niger, following an agreement reached with the country’s military leaders. This development comes more than a month after a coup d’état disrupted activities in the West African nation.
General James Hecker, the head of Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, confirmed the news during a press conference at the annual Air and Space Forces Association convention. He revealed that negotiations with Niger’s military rulers had resulted in the resumption of intelligence and surveillance missions.
“For a while, we weren’t able to conduct any missions from the bases as they were essentially closed down,” General Hecker stated. “However, through diplomatic efforts, we have now been able to resume a significant number of missions, although not yet at the same level as before.”
The US military is now conducting both crewed and unmanned missions, with flights having resumed within the past couple of weeks. As part of the operational changes, some US forces were relocated from Air Base 101 near the capital city of Niamey to Airport 201 in Agadez, which is situated approximately 920 kilometers (570 miles) northeast of Niamey.
Niger has become a crucial regional outpost for the US military, particularly for patrols involving armed drones and other operations targeting fighters and rebel groups that have seized territory, engaged in violence against civilians, and clashed with national armed forces. In the first half of this year alone, West Africa witnessed over 1,800 rebel attacks, resulting in the deaths of nearly 4,600 people, according to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Meanwhile, France, which has maintained its support for the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, currently has around 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger. French officials have denounced the coup and its leaders as illegitimate. However, Niger’s military rulers have called for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
Speculation has been rife regarding the possibility of a complete French military withdrawal, with reports suggesting that talks are underway between French and Nigerien officials. A French defense ministry source recently confirmed discussions about the withdrawal of “elements” of the French military presence in Niger.
As the US military resumes its operations in Niger, it is hoped that stability and security will be restored to the region, enabling efforts to combat rebel groups and protect civilian populations. The situation remains fluid, and the international community will be closely monitoring developments in Niger in the coming weeks.