Senior Republican lawmakers in the United States have criticised a Pentagon decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, warning that it could weaken NATO’s deterrence posture and send an unintended signal to Russia.
Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who lead the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, said the troops should instead be repositioned further east in Europe rather than withdrawn entirely. They argued that maintaining a strong forward military presence remains essential as European allies continue increasing defence spending.
A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, said the decision followed a comprehensive review of operational needs and current conditions on the ground. He added that the withdrawal is expected to take place over the next six to twelve months.
President Donald Trump indicated that additional troop reductions could follow, though he did not provide specifics. The United States currently has more than 36,000 active-duty personnel stationed in Germany, its largest military presence in Europe.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the move as “foreseeable,” while emphasising that the presence of US troops in Europe continues to benefit both countries.
The NATO alliance has requested further clarification from Washington, amid growing concern among member states about the potential impact on regional security.
In their joint statement, Wicker and Rogers warned that reducing troop levels prematurely could undermine deterrence before European capabilities are fully strengthened. They specifically cautioned that such a move could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The decision has also drawn criticism from Democrats. Representative Adam Smith argued that the withdrawal lacks a clear strategic basis, suggesting it is driven by political considerations rather than national security priorities.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmaker Clay Higgins voiced support for the move, while criticising what he described as inefficiencies within Congress.
The announcement comes amid tensions between Washington and Berlin. President Trump recently criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over remarks suggesting the United States lacked a clear strategy in dealing with Iran.
The US has already begun adjusting its military footprint in Europe as part of a broader strategic shift toward the Indo-Pacific region. Previous decisions included reducing troop levels in Romania.
Leaders within NATO have warned that continued reductions could strain the alliance. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned that internal divisions pose a serious risk to transatlantic unity and called for stronger cooperation among allies.
At the same time, Germany has significantly increased its defence spending in recent years and is projected to exceed NATO’s previous 2% GDP target, reflecting broader efforts by European countries to take on greater responsibility for regional security.
While US officials describe the troop reduction as part of a long-term strategic realignment, concerns persist that the move could alter the balance of security in Europe at a sensitive geopolitical moment.
About the author
Samsung family completes record inheritance tax
The family behind South Korean conglomerate Samsung has completed payment of a record inheritance tax bill totaling 12 trillion won (about $8bn), marking the largest such settlement in the history of South Korea. Chairman Lee Jae-yong, along with family members including his mother Hong Ra-hee and sisters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun, paid the amount in six installments over five years. The tax obligation stems from the estate of former chairman Lee Kun-hee, who died in October 2020. His fortune was estimated at around 26 trillion won, including shares, real estate and valuable art collections. Samsung confirmed that the final installment has now been paid, with the total amount equivalent to roughly one and a half times South Korea’s total inheritance tax revenue for 2024. With a tax rate of about 50%, the country maintains one of the highest inheritance […]
Obi, Kwankwaso switch parties ahead of Nigeria poll
Two major opposition figures in Nigeria have switched political parties in a significant realignment ahead of next year’s presidential election. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who placed third and fourth respectively in the 2023 election, have both joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Their move has raised the possibility of a joint ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu. The two politicians were previously members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in the last presidential race. While some observers view the latest shift as a sign of fragmentation within the opposition, supporters argue it could create a more focused political platform. Both Obi and Kwankwaso are former state governors with strong grassroots networks. Obi enjoys significant backing among younger voters, particularly in southern Nigeria, while Kwankwaso retains considerable influence in the north through […]
Liberté de la presse : le Togo progresse en 2026
Au Togo, la situation de la liberté de la presse s’améliore nettement en 2026, selon le dernier classement publié par Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Le pays gagne 24 places et se positionne désormais au 97ᵉ rang mondial sur 180 États évalués. Cette progression s’accompagne d’une hausse du score global, passé de 48,03 en 2025 à 52,56 en 2026, soit une amélioration de 4,53 points. Dans un contexte international marqué par un recul général des libertés médiatiques, cette évolution permet au Togo d’intégrer le top 100 mondial. Au sein de la CEDEAO, le pays occupe la 8ᵉ position. Le classement régional est dominé par le Ghana, suivi du Cap-Vert et de la Gambie, qui figurent également parmi les mieux classés à l’échelle mondiale. Sur le plan international, la Norvège conserve la première place, devant les Pays-Bas et l’Estonie. À l’opposé, la […]
Pluies 2026 : prévisions contrastées au Togo
Au Togo, les perspectives climatiques pour 2026 annoncent une pluviométrie globalement normale sur l’ensemble du territoire entre juillet et septembre, selon les prévisions publiées par l’ANAMET. Toutefois, des disparités régionales sont attendues sur la période de juin à août. Dans le nord du pays, la saison des pluies devrait présenter un déficit relatif avec une tendance proche de la normale sur la période juin-juillet-août. À l’inverse, le sud pourrait enregistrer des précipitations normales à légèrement excédentaires. Sur le plan hydrologique, ces tendances devraient se traduire par des écoulements normaux à faibles dans le bassin de l’Oti, tandis que des déficits sont attendus dans les bassins du Mono et du lac Togo. Les prévisions agrométéorologiques indiquent également un démarrage anticipé de la saison agricole dans les régions Centrale et de la Kara, alors qu’il devrait intervenir dans des délais habituels dans […]
Lomé accueille une conférence sur nutrition et enfance
Lomé accueillera le 11 mai 2026 une conférence régionale dédiée à la nutrition et au développement de la petite enfance en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. L’événement est organisé par le gouvernement togolais en collaboration avec le Groupe de la Banque mondiale et le Mécanisme de Financement mondial. La rencontre réunira des représentants des gouvernements, des institutions internationales, du secteur privé ainsi que de la société civile. Les échanges porteront principalement sur la mise en œuvre de politiques publiques à grande échelle, les mécanismes de financement durable et l’amélioration des systèmes de collecte et d’analyse des données. L’enjeu est aussi économique, dans la mesure où la malnutrition impacte directement le développement du capital humain, en influençant la santé, les compétences et la productivité des populations. Selon les données disponibles, le taux de retard de croissance chez les enfants dans […]
Agoè-Nyivé 5 lance son portail et mobilise des fonds
Au Togo, la commune d’Agoè-Nyivé 5 franchit une nouvelle étape dans sa transformation numérique avec le lancement de son portail officiel. Accessible à l’adresse www.agoenyive5.mairie.tg, cette plateforme vise à améliorer l’accès aux services administratifs et à centraliser les informations locales. Le site permet aux citoyens de consulter en continu les actualités de la commune, ses projets ainsi que les informations relatives à ses responsables. Il offre également la possibilité de télécharger des documents administratifs, de les remplir à l’avance et de préparer les démarches avant leur dépôt physique. Selon Akoté Charles, en charge du projet, cette initiative repose sur trois axes principaux : faciliter l’accès à l’information, renforcer la transparence dans la gestion locale et simplifier certaines procédures administratives. Parallèlement, la mairie de Sanguéra a lancé une campagne de mobilisation citoyenne destinée à soutenir le financement de projets locaux. Cette […]
Related
Samsung family completes record inheritance tax
The family behind South Korean conglomerate Samsung has completed payment of a record inheritance tax bill totaling 12 trillion won (about $8bn), marking the largest such settlement in the history of South Korea. Chairman Lee Jae-yong, along with family members including his mother Hong Ra-hee and sisters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun, paid the amount in six installments over five years. The tax obligation stems from the estate of former chairman Lee Kun-hee, who died in October 2020. His fortune was estimated at around 26 trillion won, including shares, real estate and valuable art collections. Samsung confirmed that the final installment has now been paid, with the total amount equivalent to roughly one and a half times South Korea’s total inheritance tax revenue for 2024. With a tax rate of about 50%, the country maintains one of the highest inheritance […]
Obi, Kwankwaso switch parties ahead of Nigeria poll
Two major opposition figures in Nigeria have switched political parties in a significant realignment ahead of next year’s presidential election. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who placed third and fourth respectively in the 2023 election, have both joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Their move has raised the possibility of a joint ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu. The two politicians were previously members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in the last presidential race. While some observers view the latest shift as a sign of fragmentation within the opposition, supporters argue it could create a more focused political platform. Both Obi and Kwankwaso are former state governors with strong grassroots networks. Obi enjoys significant backing among younger voters, particularly in southern Nigeria, while Kwankwaso retains considerable influence in the north through […]
Iran urges US to drop excessive demands in peace talks
Iran has urged the United States to drop what it calls excessive demands if both sides are to reach a deal and prevent their conflict from sliding back into full scale war. Iranian officials say Washington must adopt a more realistic approach in the ongoing talks and avoid miscalculations that could derail progress. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this message in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, after the latest round of discussions between Iranian and US negotiators. He said success in the negotiations requires seriousness, realism and an end to overreaching demands from the American side. The talks, mediated by Oman and held in Geneva and Islamabad in recent weeks, are widely seen as a last ditch effort to secure a broader agreement that would include a ceasefire and steps to ease tensions around the Strait […]
Iran warns US forces over Trump’s Hormuz escort plan
Iran has warned that its forces will attack United States troops if they attempt to enter or operate in the Strait of Hormuz under President Donald Trump’s new ship escort plan. The warning raises the risk of a direct clash in one of the world’s most strategic waterways, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place. Trump announced that the US will begin escorting foreign commercial ships trapped by the blockade in Hormuz, in a mission he called Project Freedom. He described the plan as a humanitarian effort to help vessels that have been stranded for weeks, with crews running low on food and other supplies. In response, Iran’s military central command said any safe passage through the strait must be coordinated with its forces under all circumstances. Major General Ali Abdollahi, speaking through state media, declared that any foreign […]
Nigeria Plans Evacuation Amid South Africa Attacks
Nigeria is preparing plans to repatriate citizens in South Africa who wish to return home, amid rising concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation, with expectations that more will join as fears grow over escalating tensions. She conveyed the concern of President Bola Tinubu, condemning recent violence and public demonstrations marked by xenophobic rhetoric and anti-migrant sentiment. Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner and plans to formally express its concerns during a meeting, warning that the incidents could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. The discussions are expected to address recent protests by anti-immigrant groups, as well as reported cases of harassment, violence, and damage to businesses owned by Nigerians. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the safety of Nigerian citizens remains a top priority. She […]
Rudy Giuliani Hospitalised in Critical Condition
Rudy Giuliani, a longtime ally of Donald Trump, is in hospital in a “stable but critical condition,” according to his spokesman Ted Goodman. Goodman shared the update in a social media post on Sunday but did not provide further details about Giuliani’s current medical situation. Shortly afterward, Trump also confirmed the news, describing Giuliani as a “true warrior” and praising his record as mayor of New York City. He also referenced Giuliani’s role in challenging the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election. Giuliani rose to national prominence during his time as mayor, particularly for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, earning him the nickname “America’s Mayor.” In recent years, he remained a central figure in US politics, especially after the 2020 election, when he publicly supported claims that the vote had been improperly conducted. Those claims were widely […]
Be the first to leave a comment