Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger’s ruling junta, made a significant announcement on national television, denouncing the United States and terminating the long-standing counterterrorism partnership between the two countries. The decision to revoke the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian Defense Department employees was declared to be in violation of Niger’s constitution, effective immediately.
The move came amidst escalating terrorist violence in the West African Sahel region and following a visit by a high-level U.S. delegation to Niger, which included officials from the State and Defense Departments, as well as Gen. Michael Langley, the chief of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The junta leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tiani, rejected diplomatic efforts by U.S. officials since the July 2023 coup, including failed attempts to resume security cooperation in exchange for a commitment to a democratic transition.
Erik Sperling of Just Foreign Policy expressed hope that this decision would mark the end of what he called a “senseless and costly Niger mission.” The repeated efforts by U.S. officials to persuade or pressure the coup government to continue the mission have been viewed as ineffective and unproductive.
The U.S. has maintained a significant military presence in Niger, with around 1,000 military personnel and civilian contractors stationed near Agadez at Air Base 201, also known as “Base Americaine.” This base has been a crucial part of America’s surveillance and security operations in North and West Africa, with substantial investments made by the U.S. government over the years.
Following the suspension of aid to Niger due to the coup last summer, the U.S. continued drone operations in the region but did not withdraw its forces. In response to Niger’s recent decree terminating the status of forces agreement, both the State Department and Pentagon have sought clarification on the implications of this decision.
AFRICOM chief Michael Langley raised concerns about Niger potentially forming relationships with Russia and Iran, citing Russian influence in the Sahel region. However, critics pointed out that several officers who received U.S. security assistance had been involved in coups across West Africa and the Sahel, including Niger.
The State Department emphasized that security partnerships in West Africa are mutually beneficial and aimed at combating terrorist violence. Despite significant U.S. military involvement in Niger over the past decade, terrorist attacks in the Sahel have continued to rise dramatically, raising questions about the effectiveness of the security cooperation.
A Nigerien security analyst highlighted that many jihadist attacks occurred while American forces were present in Niger, indicating that the security cooperation did not meet Nigeriens’ expectations. Calls have been made for renegotiating agreements with more favorable terms that respect Niger’s sovereignty and avoid paternalistic or neocolonial approaches.
In conclusion, the decision by Niger’s ruling junta to expel U.S. troops and terminate the drone base agreement reflects a shift in the country’s foreign policy priorities. The move underscores the need for reevaluating security partnerships in the region and focusing on sustainable development rather than military interventions to address complex challenges like terrorism.