The recent announcement by Niger’s junta regarding the U.S. military presence in the country has sent shockwaves through the region. The junta announced on state television that they no longer believe the U.S. military presence in Niger is justified, following high-level talks with U.S. diplomatic and military officials.
Niger plays a crucial role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and is home to a major airbase used for surveillance flights and other operations. However, local jihadist groups in the region have pledged allegiance to al-Qaida and the Islamic State extremist groups, leading the junta to question the necessity of U.S. military presence.
The junta spokesman stated that Niger was suspending military cooperation with Washington and deemed recent U.S. flights over the country’s territory as illegal. This decision comes after the U.S. designated the military takeover in Niger as a coup in October, triggering restrictions on military support and aid.
Despite the recent overthrow of Niger’s democratically elected president in July, the U.S. had been investing in training Niger’s military. However, the junta criticized the U.S. for what they perceived as a condescending attitude and threats to Niger’s sovereignty.
Following the coup, Niger also ended its security partnership with the European Union, and France withdrew its troops from the region. The U.S. envoy for Africa, Molly Phee, expressed willingness to restore aid and security ties under certain conditions, indicating a willingness to mend relations with the junta.
The U.S. military had around 650 personnel in Niger in December, according to a White House report to Congress. With tensions rising between the U.S. and Niger, the future of their military cooperation remains uncertain.
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