The Republic of Niger Terminates Military Cooperation With United States
Niger’s government has made an official announcement that it is terminating its military cooperation agreement with the United States, effective immediately.
This decision was made just one day after a high-ranking US delegation departed Niger, following a three-day visit aimed at reestablishing contact with the military junta that had overthrown the
President and aligned itself more closely with Russia.
The government’s statement explained that it has chosen to formally reject, effective immediately, the agreement pertaining to US military and civilian personnel from the US Department of
Defense who are stationed in Niger.
This statement was broadcast on national television on Saturday evening.
A spokesperson for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, acknowledged that Washington is aware of the statement and that it was issued following “candid discussions…regarding our
concerns” about the junta’s current direction.
Miller, in a post via his X handle, noted that the US was still in touch with the junta and would provide updates “as warranted.”
AFP was said to have received an identical statement from the Pentagon. At present, the United States maintains around 1,000 troops in Niger, stationed at a desert drone base that was
constructed for $100 million.
Due to the coup that took place in July 2023, there have been limited movements in the region, and Washington has reduced its assistance to the government.
Around a year ago, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a rare visit to Niger to strengthen the position of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been a steadfast ally in
Western security efforts against jihadists.
However, merely four months later, the military overthrew Bazoum and placed him under house arrest.
The junta adopted a tough stance towards France, the former colonial power, which led to the withdrawal of French troops that had been stationed there for almost a decade.
In the past, Niger’s military had closely collaborated with the United States.
Nevertheless, the junta has sought cooperation with Russia, although it has not fully embraced Moscow like its military-run neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso.
