Niger Suspends Military Agreement with US

Niger Suspends Military Agreement with US

VoM News Desk | March 17, 2024 | 11:56 PM IST | Niger, United States of America, World | Follow on Google News

Niger Suspends Military Agreement with US/Reuters

Niger Suspends Military Agreement with US

In a significant development, Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States, dealing a blow to the US security presence in the country’s Sahel region.

Diplomatic Protocol Disregarded

The suspension comes “with immediate effect” after Niger’s ruling military spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, criticized the lack of diplomatic protocol followed by a recent US delegation visit. Abdramane stated that Niger was not informed about the composition of the delegation, the date of its arrival, or the agenda, leading to the decision to suspend the military agreement.

Impact on US Operations

The military agreement, which allowed US military personnel and civilian defense staff to operate from Niger, played a central role in US military operations in Africa’s Sahel region. Niger is home to a major airbase used by the US military for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. The suspension of the agreement raises questions about the future of US security operations in the region.

Niger’s decision to suspend the military agreement comes amid tensions with the US delegation over allegations of partnering with Russia and Iran on “secret” deals, which the Nigerien government denies. The delegation reportedly threatened action against Niger if it failed to cut ties with both countries. The suspension reflects Niger’s stance against perceived interference in its sovereignty and its right to choose its partners and partnerships.

The move represents a significant setback for the US, as Niger serves as a key hub for its operations in West and North Africa. The US operates Air Base 201 near the city of Agadez, which has been used for targeting ISIL (ISIS) fighters and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region. The suspension underscores the challenges facing US efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security in the region.

In conclusion, Niger’s decision to suspend its military agreement with the US marks a significant development in the country’s foreign relations and has implications for US security operations in the Sahel region. The move reflects Niger’s commitment to asserting its sovereignty and autonomy in its international relations.

VoM News Desk

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