EU forces to withdraw from Niger amid growing anti-Western sentiment

The European Union has announced that it will end a military mission comprising some of its soldiers in Niger by the end of June.

The EU explained that it will pull out its forces, citing the political situation in the West African country.

In a statement, the EU said, “The Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country.”

Niger had been a key ally of the West in Africa’s Sahel region in the fight against militants who had killed thousands and displaced millions more earlier, before the military removed President Mohammed Bazoum from power in 2023.

Since then, animosity has grown between the junta and the West.

The military rulers recently asked former colonial power France to remove its forces and agreed on the withdrawal of American troops, while maintaining strong military and political ties with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.

Making reference to relations with Russia, military spokesperson Col. Amadou Abdramane said Niger is dealing with the country to “acquire military equipment necessary to its fight against the terrorists who have claimed thousands of innocent Nigerien victims under the indifferent eye of much of the international community.”