The recent request from the Nigerien authorities for the departure of foreign troops from their territory, notably the United States and France, has sparked notable political and diplomatic debates. While the United States and France were asked to end their military presence in Niger, Germany, for its part, managed to negotiate an interim agreement to maintain its air transport base near Niamey.
The end of the mandate covering the German presence in Niger was fast approaching when an interim agreement was sealed until August. This base initially served as a logistics platform for the Minusma mission in Mali, before it ended last December. The planned reduction of the German contingent on site, going from 100 to 30 or 40 soldiers, illustrates an adaptation to new challenges while remaining ready for a possible reactivation of the base if necessary.
The debate around the German decision to maintain its military presence in Niger is not unanimous among the German political class. Some parliamentarians criticize the risks this poses for Bundeswehr soldiers, as well as the absence of a concerted Franco-German strategy in the region. Indeed, the withdrawal of French troops from Niger at the end of last December left a security vacuum that all parties involved must now fill.
The negotiations between Berlin and Niamey which are expected in the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of the German presence in Niger. Broader strategic reflection on security and stability issues in the region will be necessary to ensure effective cooperation between the different stakeholders.
While Niger seeks to assert its sovereignty and autonomy in matters of security, the question of the presence of foreign troops on its soil remains a sensitive subject which requires a measured and concerted approach. The complexity of security issues in the Sahel calls for strengthened cooperation and increased coordination between regional and international actors to address the common challenges that arise.
In conclusion, the decision to maintain the German air transport base in Niger raises important questions about the overall security strategy in the region. The challenge for the German and Nigerien authorities will be to reconcile security imperatives and sovereign aspirations, while promoting effective regional and international cooperation to confront the threats weighing on the stability of the Sahel.