Niger : Forced departure of U.S. troops, start of another arm wrestling match with France ?
The government of Niger, under the leadership of Head of State General Abdourahamane Tiani, has recently terminated the military cooperation agreement between Niamey and Washington. By ending this partnership, the authorities denounce « the condescending attitude accompanied by threats and retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the government and people of Niger ».
The people of Niger, in this historic struggle to regain their sovereignty, have welcomed this decision by the CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of the People). In the wake of this, the people of Agadez demand the immediate departure of American military personnel stationed at Base 201 in Agadez, which they deem « unnecessary ». Clearly, this American military presence in this part of Niger seems not to be in the interest of the Nigerien people but rather that of Washington.
Twelve years of cooperation, twelve years of the presence of a thousand soldiers, reconnaissance aircraft, maneuver helicopters, surveillance drones, and all the arsenal necessary to effectively combat jihadist groups, the objective of this cooperation; but nothing has been achieved. Therefore, severing ties with this cooperation is the best decision taken by the transitional authorities. And the Americans should release this base and disengage from Niger.
This is a new showdown beginning between Niamey and Washington, similar to that with France. In any case, this forced departure from Niamey is a setback for the United States, who pretended to be conciliatory with the Nigerien authorities. Will they refuse Niger’s request as was the case with France ? The course of events will enlighten us…
