The United States is still evaluating whether to withdraw troops from Niger and Chad, two African countries crucial to counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region. The government of Niger ended an agreement with the U.S. last month, while Chad has recently questioned its own agreement. The reversals have raised concerns that the U.S. is losing influence in Africa to Russia and China. U.S. officials say discussions on a new military agreement with Niger are ongoing, while efforts will be made to convince Chad to allow U.S. forces to stay.