Niger/United States: Military cooperation, the break between the two partners, soon to be effective
After the agreement to end military cooperation between Niger and the United States, the next step is for both countries to arrange the actual withdrawal of American forces from Niger. Meetings are being held to decide how this withdrawal will happen in a way that respects both sides.
This explains the first meeting in Niamey between the military authorities of the two partners. They will work on setting a timeline for the departure of American soldiers from Niger and the measures to better coordinate the withdrawal operation.
According to the information, the American delegation’s mission is to present their withdrawal plan to the Nigerien Minister of State. This plan will then be discussed in detail with Nigerien military experts to ensure that the withdrawal is carried out in the best possible conditions, maintaining order, security, and adhering to the deadlines.
It should be noted that this separation is due to the fact that the military agreement from July 6, 2012, which was denounced by the transitional authorities two months ago, was unilaterally imposed by the United States on Niger through a simple verbal note. Therefore, the American military presence in Niger is considered illegal, violating all constitutional and democratic rules.
It is also worth noting that unlike France, which has not taken the separation well, the United States has respected the will of the Nigerien people and their authorities by agreeing to withdraw. If new military relations are to be established, they will be based on new foundations and criteria defined by the Nigerien authorities, as this concerns the country’s interest, sovereignty, and integrity.
