NIAMEY: Niger’s junta announced that the presence of US military forces in the country is no longer justified, signaling a shift in the longstanding military cooperation between the two nations. The announcement was made on state television following high-level discussions between Nigerien officials and US diplomatic and military representatives earlier in the week.
Although the junta’s spokesman, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, refrained from explicitly calling for the withdrawal of US forces, he declared the suspension of military cooperation with Washington. He also criticized recent US flights over Nigerien territory, labeling them as illegal.
Niger has been a key ally for the US military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and hosts a major airbase crucial for surveillance flights and other operations. However, concerns over violence in the region, with local groups aligning with extremist organizations have heightened tensions.
US Military Presence in Niger
The US military has invested significantly in Niger, including the establishment of a major airbase in the city of Agadez. Additionally, Washington has provided extensive training to Niger’s military, although some elements of the military were involved in the overthrow of the democratically elected president in July.
The designation of the military takeover as a coup by the US in October led to restrictions on military support and aid to Niger. However, the possibility of restoring aid and security ties was discussed in December, contingent upon certain conditions being met.
The junta spokesman criticized the US stance as condescending and a threat to Niger’s sovereignty. Moreover, Niger has terminated its security partnership with the European Union since the coup, and France has withdrawn its troops from the country.
Senior US officials, including Molly Phee and Marine Gen. Michael Langley, held discussions in Niamey this week, but there has been no response to requests for comment from Phee. According to a White House report to Congress, the US had around 650 personnel in Niger as of December.
