Niger’s military government has announced the termination of an agreement with the US that allowed American military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defense to operate in Niger.
This decision comes shortly after high-level talks between Niger and US diplomatic and military officials.
Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the Nigerien military, stated on national television that the agreement, signed in 2012, was unilaterally imposed on Niger and violated the nation’s sovereignty and democratic principles.
The deteriorating relationship between Niger and the US began when a military junta took power in July 2023, prompting the US to withdraw a significant number of its troops stationed in Niger.
Despite the US viewing Niger as a crucial partner in counterterrorism efforts, Niger’s military government expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement.
Abdramane criticized a recent visit by a senior US delegation, accusing them of not following diplomatic protocols and showing a condescending attitude towards Niger.
The delegation’s lack of transparency regarding their visit’s purpose and composition was cited as a point of contention.
The Nigerien government emphasized its commitment to choosing its partners independently and rejected allegations of secret agreements with countries like Russia and Iran.
The decision to terminate the agreement underscores the strained relations between Niger and the US, with implications for ongoing military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Source-CNN
