Niger: Mobilization of Civil Society organizations for the departure of American military troops from Nigerian soil
Civil society organizations organized a march followed by a meeting this Saturday, April 13, 2024, demanding with urgency the departure of American military troops from Nigerian soil. The organizers aim to end the military cooperation agreement with the United States as soon as possible.
In a statement made public during the meeting, it was emphasized that since the advent of the CNSP on July 26, 2023, led by General Abdourahmane Tiani, Niger has proudly initiated a liberation dynamic vis-à-vis imperialist nations that have blocked any aspirations for socio-economic, security, and cultural development in the country, thereby reducing Nigeriens to eternal beggars despite sitting on a gold mine.
« On the security front, the exponential number of deaths of our civilian and military compatriots recorded in Karamga, Bosso, Chinagoder, Inates, Anzourou, Téguéy, and several other localities over the past ten years following the imposition of mercantile terrorism imported forcefully into our communal space through a vassalized political class sufficiently illustrates the deceitfulness of this partnership », said Mr. Mohamed Alkabir, a civil society leader.
Nigeriens struggle to understand the presence of the impressive military arsenal of the Pentagon and the CIA, including drones and satellites, on Nigerien territory without it being used in the fight against terrorism.
It should be noted that the United States has invested hundreds of millions in the construction of a significant air base in Agadez, which is intended to serve as a hub for surveillance operations, counterterrorism efforts, and play a decisive role in addressing security challenges posed by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda. However, the partnership has faced challenges.
The alignment of the United States with former colonial powers, notably France, has raised concerns about neocolonialism. This way for the United States to defend French interests has tarnished their credibility as an honest mediator in the region. Thus, with such mobilization of the Nigerian population, the days of American military troops are now numbered.
