In an unexpected turn of events, Niger’s military junta has cancelled a military agreement with the US. This sudden revocation that was announced on national television by junta spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, is effective immediately and bars US Department of Defence’s military troops and civilian staff from Niger’s territory. JURIST reports this decision aligns with the interests and aspirations of the Nigerien population.
Serving as a significant base for the US military, Niger has been central to US interests in combating terrorist threats from groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, especially in the Sahel region. Despite this, the abrupt shift in Niger’s stance towards its alliance with the US comes amid increasing political changes in the country since the July 2023 coup that saw the military junta take power. The coup led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum and the installation of General Abdourahmane Tiani as President.
The junta’s decision was made public following the arrival of a US delegation in Niger which involved high ranking officials including the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee. During this visit, the delegation had discussions with senior Nigerien government officials, however, President Abdourahmane Tiani was notably absent from these meetings.
Colonel Abdramane shared that the US delegation did not follow the diplomatic protocol as they failed to inform the government of their arrival, composition and agenda in advance. Moreover, he expressed disapproval of the US’s attempt to interfere in Niger’s selection of strategic military and diplomatic partners in its fight against terrorism. Consequently, the American delegation was accused of denying the “sovereign Nigerien people’s right to choose his partners and types of partnerships to genuinely fight terrorism”.
Despite the US’s investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Niger’s military training and equipment and the stationing of over 2000 military personnel in the country, the assistance curtailed somewhat following the July 2023 coup. While about 1000 more troops remained in the north and central airbases of Niger carrying out operations over the Sahel region, the junta’s decision significantly impacts the path forward for US military presence in the Sahel region.
This marks the second time Niger broke off military cooperation with a Western ally. Prompted by overwhelming protests, Niger asked France to withdraw its troops. The exit of French military forces in December 2023 marked the end of a decade long French military operation in the Sahel. How these choices by Niger’s junta will affect future counter-terrorism strategies remains to be seen.