The US has asked Niger to allow it to retain its 1000 troops stationed in two bases in the country. This follows Niger’s directive over the weekend that all US military personnel must be withdrawn. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said in a Monday briefing that US officials had “lengthy and direct” discussions with members of Niger’s military junta. The discussions, she said were partly motivated by concerns about Niger’s potential relations with Russia and Iran. “We were troubled by the path Niger has taken.”
Niger has been on a pro-Russia track since a military coup in July last year ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The new man in charge is Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, who according to Al Jazeera, refused to meet the US delegation. Later military spokesman Maj Amadou Abdramane, indicated why the Americans had been asked to leave.
“When it comes to choosing diplomatic, strategic and military partners, the government of Niger regrets the willingness of the American delegation to deny the sovereign people of Niger the right to choose its partners and the types of partnerships likely to help it to truly fight terrorism, even though the United States of America has unilaterally decided to suspend all cooperation between our two countries.”
According to Al Jazeera, Niger objected to what it described as the “condescending attitude” of the US delegation, and their not following diplomatic protocol by providing information about the composition of the team and arrival dates.
Niger is central to US military operations in the Sahel targeting Al Qaeda and the Islamic State and their affiliates. With Airbase 101 in the capital Niamey, and Airbase 201 near Agadez, which is over 900 km to the southwest, the US has been carrying out drone flights against these groups. Built at a cost of around $100 million, the US is understandably concerned the bases could be handed over to the Russians.
But Niger believes the US military presence has failed to curb the activities of armed Islamic groups and the Sahel remains the centre spot for terrorism. Since the coup, it has moved closer to Russia, and thrown out the French military unit there, following the example set by neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.
