Niger's junta has terminated a military agreement permitting the deployment of US personnel within the country, as announced by a junta spokesperson on state television.
This decision, made by the ruling junta since July, follows a week where a Washington delegation held talks with Niger's military leadership in Niamey.
The US utilized its Niger base for monitoring regional jihadist activity. This move aligns with the junta's shift towards closer ties with Russia, following the expulsion of French troops in December.
Niger's military spokesperson, Col Amadou Abdramane, labeled the US presence as illegal, emphasizing violations of constitutional and democratic principles.
He accused the US delegation of making baseless allegations, including claims of a secret uranium deal with Iran, reminiscent of the Iraq War. Abdramane criticized US objections to Niger's chosen allies, denouncing their condescending attitude and threats.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged Niger's statement, indicating ongoing discussions about concerns with the junta's trajectory. The termination affects an estimated 650 US personnel in Niger, where the US had invested $100 million in a drone base in Agadez since 2016.
This base served for surveillance and targeting of Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked militants across the wider Sahel region. The junta's decision underscores evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region, impacting security cooperation and alliances.
