In April, I wrote about the United States government agreeing to remove its troops from Niger after, a month earlier, the new government of Niger demanded this action.
Here is an update. On Monday, the US Department of Defense and Niger Ministry of National Defense announced in a joint statement that US forces and assets had been removed from the final US military installation in the African country, with a full withdrawal of the US military set to be completed as planned “over the coming weeks.”
“U.S. troops have until Sept. 15 to leave the Sahel country following an agreement with Nigerien authorities,” wrote Mark Banchereau in a Monday Associated Press article detailing the withdrawal of US troops. The entire process from withdrawal demand to completion would thus be accomplished in about six months.
This withdrawal of US troops from one among the many countries around the world where they have been stationed is a good step toward reducing US intervention abroad. It came only after a demand from the Niger government. But, the US would be well served to start initiating the withdrawal of its military from many additional countries. Minding your own business and keeping your hands to yourself are good ground rules for fostering frugality, security, and peace.