Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger convened in Niamey, Republic of Niger, from May 15 to 19, 2024. The meeting was part of a Joint Disengagement Commission aimed at coordinating the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. The discussions were conducted with complete transparency and mutual respect between both parties.
The U.S. Department of Defense delegation was spearheaded by Mr. Christopher Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, and Lieutenant General Dagvin Anderson, Director of Joint Force Development in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The delegation from the Ministry of National Defense of Niger was led by Colonel-Major Mamane Sani Kiaou, Chief of Staff of the Army.
Both departments have reached an agreement on disengagement to facilitate the withdrawal process which has already commenced. It is agreed that this disengagement will conclude no later than September 15, 2024.
Guarantees for protection and security for American forces during their withdrawal were confirmed by both delegations. Procedures to facilitate entry and exit for U.S. personnel were also established, including overflight and landing clearances for military flights.
The U.S. Department of Defense and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defense acknowledged their joint sacrifices in combating terrorism and commended each other's efforts to strengthen the Nigerien Armed Forces. Both parties pledged to continue cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Despite the withdrawal, it was clarified that U.S.-Niger development relations would not be affected. Both nations remain committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to shape their future bilateral relations.
