Hommam Al Nassim 
A senior American general visited Africa to discuss ways to maintain the American presence in West Africa, after Niger’s decision to expel the American army in favor of a partnership with Russia.
General Charles Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Air Forces, told reporters before arriving in Botswana for a meeting of African defense leaders that he would speak with several partners in the region.
Brown pointed to opportunities for cooperation with countries in West Africa to build relationships that would allow the United States to display some of the military capabilities that were present in Niger.
Brown did not reveal which countries were under consideration, but a US official reported that President Joe Biden’s administration had held preliminary talks with countries such as Benin, Ivory Coast and Ghana. However, it is not expected that the United States will be able to restore its strong anti-terrorism footprint in Niger soon.
Another American official confirmed that he does not expect the establishment of another large American base or the mass transfer of American forces from Niger, as the changing political situation in West and Central Africa represents a challenge for the United States, especially with the region being subjected to eight coups in the past four years.
American officials explained that the US military is assessing the rapid changes in the region and is working to adjust its goals and considers the terrorist threat still a source of great concern.
The withdrawal of US forces from Niger is scheduled to be completed before the September 15 deadline, with about 600 troops remaining at the air base adjacent to Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital, Niamey.
At the same time, Russia has deployed a number of military forces in Niger, where they are conducting training activities, without any communication with the remaining US forces.
General Brown expressed his hope to maintain some kind of security relations with Niger after the withdrawal, given the continued investment in military relations over the years.
Brown concluded, saying: “We have an embassy there, so we still have relations, but I don’t know if the door is completely closed, and if the opportunity arises in the future to rebuild and re-strengthen the relationship, we will work with the rest of the American government to figure out how best to do that.”
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