The deepening relationship between Niger and both Iran and Russia has led to a breakdown in military relations between the junta in Niamey and Washington.
Last week, US officials traveled to Niger to express concerns about the country’s growing ties to Russia and Iran. Shortly after, on Saturday, the junta announced the revocation of an agreement that allowed roughly 1,000 US military personnel to operate in Niger, as confirmed by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh on Monday.
Singh stated that the US government was aware of Niger’s decision and was seeking clarification through diplomatic channels. Discussions were prompted by Niger’s “trajectory,” according to US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel.
Niger’s Military (Credits: RBC-Ukraine)
Niger’s announcement of the immediate revocation of the military agreement caught US officials off guard, and they had engaged in direct and candid conversations with the ruling military council, known as the CNSP, beforehand, Singh added.
The discussions were aimed at addressing concerns about Niger’s potential relationships with Russia and Iran. Since seizing power in a coup in July 2023, Niger’s junta has taken steps to distance itself from Western influence.
It expelled French and European forces, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States, and strengthened military ties with Russia. High-level Russian defense officials have visited Niger, and the junta’s prime minister visited Iran in January.
Niger’s Military (Credits: INTERNATIONALIST 360°)
In its statement on Saturday, the junta denied allegations made by the US delegation that Niger had signed a secret agreement on uranium with Iran. Singh did not provide further details on US concerns regarding Iran.
The US delegation to Niger included Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, and General Michael Langley, the top US general for the region.
The talks aimed to address Niger’s return to democracy and the future of the security and development partnership between the two countries.
After the coup, the US military consolidated its forces in Niger, relocating troops from Air Base 101 in Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez. While the base was once central to US counter-terrorism efforts in the region, operations since the coup have been limited to force protection.
Singh did not rule out the possibility of finding a resolution that would allow for the continuation of US military presence in Niger, stating that the US wants to see the partnership continue if there is a way forward.
