West losing ground in West Africa and the Sahel | DW News

Summary

Germany's military withdrawal from Niger marks a significant shift in Western presence in West Africa. The Bundeswehr's mission, which began in 2016 to support UN operations in Mali and train Nigerien forces, has ended due to a coup in 2023. This coup led to a realignment towards non-Western allies, particularly Russia, for support. The withdrawal is part of a broader trend of Western nations losing influence in the region, with implications for counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability. Russia is seen as filling the vacuum, deepening security ties and benefiting from the region's mineral resources.

Takeaways

• 🇩🇪 Germany's armed forces are withdrawing from Niger due to the breakdown of negotiations.
• 🔄 Niger was a strategic base for Western nations combating terrorism in the Sahel region.
• 👮‍♂️ Approximately 100 German troops were stationed in Niger to train local forces.
• 🤝 Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Niger in 2022 to discuss progress and cooperation.
• 🏢 The coup in Niger in 2023 led to a shift in the country's alliances, affecting Western operations.
• 📉 The German military's mission in Niger was primarily logistical support and training.
• ⏳ The contract allowing German troops to operate in Niger expired, and renegotiation is not feasible.
• 🤷‍♂️ The West's presence in West Africa is diminishing, with implications for regional stability.
• 🔄 The power vacuum left by Western withdrawal is being filled by Russia, which is deepening ties with the region.
• 💔 The withdrawal indicates a failure of Germany's Sahel policy to achieve its objectives of stability and counter-terrorism.

Q & A

Why are Germany's armed forces withdrawing from Niger?

Germany's armed forces are withdrawing due to the breakdown of negotiations and a military coup in Niger in 2023, which has led to a shift in the country's alliances towards non-Western countries, particularly Russia.

What was the primary mission of the German military in Niger?

The primary mission was to provide logistic support for operations in neighboring Mali, especially for the United Nations MINUSMA stabilization mission. Later, it served as an evacuation pathway for Western troops and had some cooperation and training roles in Niger itself.

Why did the cooperation between Germany and Niger fall apart?

The cooperation fell apart due to the military coup in Niger in 2023, which led to a significant change in the country's political landscape and a shift towards non-Western allies, making it difficult for Western countries to operate there.

How has the military coup in Niger affected Western presence in the region?

The coup has led to the withdrawal or expulsion of Western forces, including the French and the United States military, from the region, leading to a vacuum that has been filled by Russia.

What are the implications of Germany's withdrawal from Niger for the Sahel region?

The withdrawal has contributed to the destabilization of the region, leading to a split among neighboring countries into groups backed by Russia and those remaining in the Western camp, potentially escalating tensions and conflicts.

How is Russia benefiting from the West's withdrawal from West Africa?

Russia is deepening security ties with countries in the region, providing security for their elites, and joining forces to fight terrorism and separatist groups. Additionally, Russia stands to benefit from the region's mineral resources as it deepens its partnerships.

What was the initial purpose of the German supply base in Niger?

The German supply base in Niger was initially set up to provide logistic support for German operations in neighboring Mali, particularly in support of the United Nations MINUSMA mission.

What has been the impact of the coup in Niger on the country's relations with Western countries?

The coup has led to a deterioration of relations with Western countries, as Niger's military government has looked towards non-Western allies, particularly Russia, for support, making it difficult for Western countries to maintain their presence and influence.

What role did Chancellor Olaf Schultz play in Germany's engagement with Niger?

Chancellor Olaf Schultz traveled to Niger in 2022 to monitor progress and hold talks with the president, indicating a period of active engagement between Germany and Niger before the coup and subsequent withdrawal.

How has the situation in Niger affected Germany's Sahel policy?

The situation in Niger has raised questions about the effectiveness of Germany's Sahel policy, as the limited military presence has not yielded significant benefits on the ground, and there has been a shift towards Russia and instability in the region.

What will be the ongoing German contributions to the region despite the military withdrawal?

Despite the military withdrawal, Germany will continue to provide development assistance, medical support, and legal training, which are part of the long-term efforts to build better relationships across the region.