In a sharp pivot that echoes wider geopolitical shifts on the African continent, the government of Niger has terminated its longstanding military cooperation agreement with the United States, a move that aligns it more closely with Russian interests.
The announcement came abruptly, following the departure of a senior U.S. delegation from the West African nation, which included U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee and Gen. Michael E. Langley, head of U.S. military operations in Africa. The visit was part of a broader attempt by the United States to engage with Niger’s military junta, which took power in a coup in July 2023.
The government’s declaration, broadcast on national television, stated that the decision to end the military accord with the U.S. was effective immediately. The agreement, which had been in place since 2012, related to the status of military personnel and civilians employed by the U.S. Department of Defense within Niger. Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the military spokesperson, condemned what he described as a “condescending attitude” from the head of the U.S. delegation and denounced the American presence as “illegal” under Niger’s constitutional and democratic principles.
Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, acknowledged the decision and confirmed that discussions had been held with the junta regarding concerns about its trajectory. He noted that the U.S. remains engaged and will provide updates as the situation warrants.
The U.S. has been a significant military partner to Niger, operating a drone base in the northern desert at a cost of $100 million and having stationed around 1,000 troops in the country. The base has been considered a strategic asset in the fight against extremist groups in the Sahel region, a band of territory just below the Sahara desert where Islamist extremism has escalated.
The change in relations marks a significant shift for Niger, which has moved closer to Russia in the aftermath of the coup that deposed democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. While the junta has not fully embraced Moscow as neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso have, it is evident that they have made moves to deepen ties, particularly in security matters. In December, Niger and Russia announced new security agreements, the details of which were not fully disclosed.
The junta’s decision also follows the cessation of military cooperation with France, Niger’s former colonial ruler. Abdramane emphasized Niger’s longstanding relations with Russia and Iran, criticizing U.S. attempts to influence Niger’s choice of security partners.
This strategic realignment in Niger comes at a time when U.S. military officials acknowledge the critical role of the Agadez base in monitoring extremist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The loss of U.S. surveillance capabilities in the region could be “impactful” for regional security and broader U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
The dynamics in the Sahel region of Africa are indicative of a broader contest for influence between Western powers and Russia. Niger’s shift toward Russia may suggest a recalibration of alliances in West Africa, with implications for counterterrorism, regional stability, and international geopolitical strategies.
Relevant articles:
– Niger breaks off military cooperation with US, as junta moves closer to Russia
– Niger junta announces end to military relationship with United States The Washington Post, Sun, 17 Mar 2024 03:16:00 GMT
– Niger ends military agreement with US, calls it ‘profoundly unfair’ Yahoo News UK, Sun, 17 Mar 2024 03:14:00 GMT
– Niger stops military cooperation with US 香港電台, Sun, 17 Mar 2024 03:48:00 GMT