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In a significant move reflecting diplomatic strain, Niger’s ruling junta has swiftly revoked a military accord allowing military personnel and civilian staff from the U.S. Department of Defence on its soil, as announced by junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane on Saturday.
The decision follows a recent visit by U.S. officials, led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and including General Michael Langley, commander of the U.S. Africa Command.
Colonel Abdramane, speaking on television in the West African nation, criticized the U.S. delegation for failing to adhere to diplomatic protocol. He stated that Niger had not been adequately informed about the delegation’s composition, arrival date, or agenda.
Abdramane highlighted that discussions during the visit centred around Niger’s military transition, bilateral military cooperation, and the nation’s choice of partners in combating militants associated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Meanwhile, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged “frank discussions” in Niamey earlier in the week regarding the trajectory of Niger’s ruling military council, known as the CNSP.
The official said, “We are in touch with the CNSP and will provide further updates as warranted.”
Since seizing power in July of the previous year, the Niger junta, following the footsteps of military rulers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, has expelled French and other European forces and turned to Russia for support.
Colonel Abdramane said, “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.
“Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.”
The presence of approximately 1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, operating from two bases including the drone base known as Air Base 201, has been a point of contention.
Colonel Abdramane argued that the status and presence of U.S. troops violated constitutional and democratic principles, alleging that the arrangement had been unilaterally imposed in 2012 without Niger’s consent.
He then said, “In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American Department of Defense on the territory of the Republic of Niger.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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