APA-Niamey (Niger) – After the French and American troops who have already left the country, it is the turn of the the German soldiers to exit by the end of August.
Germany’s air base in Niamey will no longer be operational after 31 August 2024, according to media reports including Deutsch Weller (DW) and Der Spiegel.
They report that the federal government has stated its intention not to extend its military presence in Niger.
The Bundeswehr, the German army, is planning an orderly withdrawal of the forty or so troops deployed in Niger.
The media explained that the decision to withdraw follows the failure of negotiations between Niger and Germany to keep the air base in operation.
Niamey is said to have subjected any extension to demands deemed unacceptable by Berlin.
“Indeed, the military in power would like a defence and security agreement, without any mention of security guarantees for the troops stationed at Niamey airport, or the guarantee of uncomplicated authorisation for aircraft to take off and land,” our DW colleagues explained.
The Niger side is also demanding an “equal partnership,” with the German army training Nigerien soldiers and even supplying arms to the Nigerien army.
Before Germany, France and the USA had to withdraw their troops from the Sahelian country, which has been the target of attacks by armed terrorist groups.
DS/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA