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Niger has officially terminated a military agreement that permitted US Department of Defense personnel, both military and civilian, to be stationed on its territory.
This announcement was made by Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger’s ruling junta, following a visit by a US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, which also included General Michael Langley, commander of the US Africa Command. Abdramane criticized the US officials for their “failure” to adhere to diplomatic norms, noting that the Nigerien government was kept in the dark regarding the delegation’s arrival date and meeting agenda. The discussions, as per Abdramane, centered on Niger’s military transition, bilateral military cooperation, and the country’s autonomy in choosing partners to combat terrorist groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Niger, which has been a strategic location for US military operations, housing approximately 1,100 troops and operating significant bases, including the drone base Air Base 201, which plays a crucial role in combating Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region.
Abdramane also expressed displeasure with the American delegation’s approach, accusing them of trying to limit Niger’s sovereignty in selecting its allies against terrorism. He further condemned the delegation’s “patronizing” demeanor and threats of retaliation.
From the US perspective, a senior official mentioned that the conversations held in Niamey were “candid” and focused on the direction of the ruling military council, the CNSP. Since July of the previous year, Niger, alongside neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has distanced itself from French and other Western military support, increasingly leaning towards Russia for assistance.
