Emmanuel OchayiNiger Republic ruling military spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, announced the immediate suspension of the military agreement with the United States, dealing a significant blow to US security interests in the Sahel region.
The pact allowed US military personnel and civilian defense staff to operate from Niger, which hosts a major airbase crucial for US operations in West and North Africa.
The decision to suspend the agreement came after a visit by senior US officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and US Africa Command head General Michael Langley, to discuss democratic transition.
Abdramane stated on local television that the US delegation failed to adhere to diplomatic protocol, providing no prior information about their visit’s composition, date of arrival, or agenda.
Expressing regret over the US delegation’s perceived interference in Niger’s sovereign affairs, Abdramane emphasized the nation’s desire to choose its partners independently to effectively combat terrorism.
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The suspension affects approximately 650 US military personnel operating in Niger, with the country hosting a crucial airbase near the city of Agadez used for surveillance flights and anti-terrorism operations in the Sahel region.
The US military’s presence in Niger, particularly at Air Base 201, has been instrumental in targeting terrorist groups such as ISIL (ISIS) and JNIM. However, the recent suspension underscores the strained relations between Niger’s military government and the United States, exacerbated by allegations of secret deals with Russia and Iran.
Washington’s designation of Niger’s military takeover as a coup last October further strained relations, despite tentative efforts to restore aid and security ties contingent upon meeting specific conditions.
The US delegation’s purported threats of retaliation against Niger for its alleged partnerships with Russia and Iran further escalated tensions, prompting a strong denouncement from the Nigerien military government.
Niger’s suspension of the military pact mirrors similar actions taken by neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which have expelled French and other European forces, turning to alternative partners like Russia for support. The development underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region and raises questions about the future of US military engagement in West Africa amidst mounting diplomatic challenges.
