The United States military will be withdrawing from the countries of Niger and Chad in Africa. Following a series of coups in the region, the new regimes have stated their opposition to American troops in the region and are expelling them.
Since 9/11, the US has deployed small numbers of soldiers all over the world in the name of fighting terrorism. In the process, it has angered many countries due to diplomatic pressures and shoving liberal internationalist values down their throats. ABC News says:
The United States and Niger are discussing plans to withdraw American troops from the West African nation, ending more than a decade of U.S. military presence in the country.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed during Tuesday’s press briefing that “discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.”
Russia will be replacing America in these countries, offering economic and security aid in exchange for natural resources. Unlike the United States, the offer is very transactional and does not seek to impose values or moralizing on the local governments. The Hill says:
Niger was rocked by a military coup in July of last year, and junta leaders have pushed for a U.S. exit. The military junta allegedly has close ties with Russia’s private paramilitary company the Wagner Group, which has a sizable presence in Africa, benefiting Moscow.
The military in Chad also seized power there three years ago, though there are upcoming elections in May that could return authority back to elected officials.
When the United States Government learns to accept other countries’ own values and traditions, it will likely be more popular to do business with. Until then, many countries are looking at this as a sign of weakness and decline, and chances are that more countries will expel United States troops.
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