Niger's military government has announced the termination of an agreement with the US that permitted American military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defense to operate in Niger. This decision comes shortly after high-level talks between the two nations.
The military spokesman, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, stated that the 2012 agreement was unilaterally imposed on Niger and violated the country's constitutional and democratic principles. He emphasized that the agreement did not align with the interests of the Nigerien people.
Following a coup in July 2023, US-Niger relations have soured, leading to the withdrawal of a significant portion of American troops stationed in Niger. Despite this, the Pentagon views Niger as a crucial partner in combating terrorism in the region.
President Joe Biden informed Congress in December 2023 that around 648 US military personnel remain deployed in Niger. The recent decision to end the military accord follows a visit by a senior US delegation to Niger, which was met with criticism for its lack of transparency and alleged disrespect for diplomatic norms.
Abdramane expressed Niger's disappointment with the US delegation's behavior and accused them of attempting to interfere with Niger's sovereignty and partnership choices. He also refuted claims of a clandestine agreement between Niger, Russia, and Iran.
The move to terminate the military agreement underscores the strained relations between Niger and the US, raising concerns about the future of their longstanding partnership.
