Niamey, Niger – The ruling military junta in Niger has made the decision to immediately revoke a military accord allowing US military personnel and civilian staff on its soil. The presence of American troops in Niger has been a point of contention, with the junta accusing the US of violating the country’s sovereignty by unilaterally imposing their presence since 2012.
The US military has maintained a presence in Niger, with around 1,100 troops stationed in the country operating out of two bases, including a drone base known as airbase 201 near Agadez. The base has been crucial in targeting Islamic State militants and al-Qaida affiliates in the Sahel region. However, the junta’s recent move to revoke the military accord reflects a shift in Niger’s foreign relations strategy.
Following a visit by US officials, led by assistant secretary of state for African affairs Molly Phee and Gen Michael Langley, commander of the US Africa command, the junta expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of diplomatic protocol observed during the discussions. The junta emphasized the need for Niger to have autonomy in choosing its partners in counterterrorism efforts.
Since seizing power in July 2023, the Niger junta has aligned itself with Russia, expelling French and European forces from the country. The decision to revoke the military accord with the US signals a significant shift in Niger’s approach to international military cooperation. The junta’s spokesperson, Col Amadou Abdramane, criticized the condescending attitude of the American delegation and highlighted the lack of transparency in their interactions.
While Abdramane did not explicitly call for the expulsion of US forces, he raised concerns about the legality of their presence and the lack of accountability in their operations. The junta’s decision to revoke the military accord reflects a broader trend in the region, where military rulers have been reevaluating their relationships with foreign powers. The US Department of Defense has yet to respond to the junta’s announcement.
In addition to the Agadez airbase, the US has invested significant resources in training Niger’s military. However, the military takeover in July 2023 led to the designation of the event as a coup by the US, triggering restrictions on military support and aid to Niger. The junta’s decision to revoke the military accord adds another layer of complexity to Niger’s evolving political and military landscape.