Niger Junta Announces Suspension of Military Cooperation with US
In a surprising announcement on state television, Niger’s junta declared that the U.S. military presence in the country is no longer warranted. This decision came after high-level discussions with U.S. diplomatic and military representatives.
Niger has played a crucial role in U.S. military operations in the Sahel region, hosting a major airbase that facilitates surveillance flights and other missions. The U.S. has been particularly concerned about the rise of jihadist violence in the region.
The junta’s spokesman stated that Niger is putting a hold on military collaboration with Washington, claiming that U.S. flights over Niger’s airspace in recent weeks were unauthorized. The U.S. military has invested significant resources over the years in training Nigerien troops.
However, the U.S. classified the July military takeover in Niger as a coup, resulting in limitations on military assistance and aid. The U.S. envoy for Africa indicated a willingness to reinstate aid and security ties under certain conditions, to which the junta criticized the U.S. for a condescending attitude and threats to Niger’s sovereignty.
Since the coup, Niger has terminated its security partnership with the European Union, prompting France to withdraw its soldiers. U.S. officials, including Marine Gen. Michael Langley, were in Niamey for discussions with Nigerien government officials. The U.S. had around 650 personnel in Niger as of December, according to a White House report.
It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact U.S.-Niger relations and the ongoing fight against extremism in the region. Stay tuned to The Bib Theorists for further updates on this evolving situation.
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