“We will do a joint ceremony on that occasion that marks the departure of the last US C-17 [aircraft]. The government of Niger will assume control of former US areas and facilities,” Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, who is on the ground in Niger to coordinate the departure, was quoted as saying.

On June 8, the US and Niger announced the beginning of the withdrawal of American troops from the African country. An agreement on the withdrawal was reached in mid-May. Nigerien authorities stated that the military agreement with the US was imposed on the republic and did not meet the interests of its people.