In West Africa, the United States expedite their withdrawal from Niger and move closer to Côte d’Ivoire.

The Changing Face of US Military Presence in West Africa

The new direction of American military presence in West Africa is taking shape. Major General Kenneth P. Ekman, the Department of Defense coordinator for West Africa and director of strategy, partnerships, and programs within the US Africa Command (Africom), held a press conference at the US Embassy in Abidjan on Wednesday, July 24. He provided updates on the withdrawal from Niger and explained the future “enhanced partnership” with Côte d’Ivoire. Negotiations regarding the terms of this partnership are ongoing between the political and military authorities of both countries.

The Withdrawal from Niger and Shifting Focus to Côte d’Ivoire

The American withdrawal from Niger is expected to be completed by early August, well ahead of the September deadline. The departure of troops from the Niamey base and the Agadez Air Base has already commenced. General Ekman expressed satisfaction with the smooth withdrawal process but also highlighted concerns about its impact on regional security. He emphasized the rising extremist threat in the Sahel region, which now increasingly endangers countries surrounding the Sahel, including Côte d’Ivoire.

Strengthening Cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire

With the decreasing access to the Sahel and fewer partnerships in West Africa, Africom is turning towards Côte d’Ivoire with whom the US has been enhancing military cooperation. Notably, support in training, equipment, and security initiatives has been significantly bolstered for the Ivorian forces. Plans for the announced “enhanced partnership” involve additions in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance personnel, medical capabilities, and training support.

Potential Developments and Dismissal of Rumors

While rumors circulated in early July about a possible American military base near Odienné in Côte d’Ivoire, these have been denied by the Africom strategy director. The focus is more on collaborating with Ivorian forces at their existing bases rather than establishing new American bases. General Ekman, in dismissing the notion of replacing French troops with Americans in Abidjan, hinted at the need for efficiency in addressing the growing jihadist threat in the northern border region shared by Burkina Faso and Mali but did not confirm any specific relocation plans.

By Marine Jeannin (Correspondent in Abidjan)