Niger terminates military pact with US, citing 'profound unfairness'

Niger's military government has officially announced the termination of an agreement with the US. This agreement previously allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defense to operate within Niger. This decision comes shortly after high-level discussions with US diplomatic and military officials earlier this week.

In a statement broadcasted on national television, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesman for Niger's military, shared the government's decision. He stated that Niger, considering the desires and well-being of its people, has chosen to denounce the agreement immediately. This agreement pertained to the presence and activities of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American Department of Defense in Niger's territory.

Abdramane mentioned that the agreement signed between the two countries in 2012 was forced upon Niger and went against the constitutional and democratic principles of the nation's sovereignty.

He expressed that the agreement was unfair and did not align with the hopes and needs of the people of Niger.

Video Ad Feedback

African Union suspends Niger over military coup

05:00

• Source:

CNN

Niger used to be an important regional ally for the US, but the relationship has soured ever since a military junta took control in July 2023, which the US officially labeled as a coup.

As a result, the US has pulled out a large number of its 1,100 troops that were based in Niger.

Senior Pentagon officials view maintaining a presence in Niger as crucial in combating terrorism in the region. They are evaluating how the decision will affect around 1,000 US troops stationed there.

President Joe Biden informed Congress in December 2023 that about 648 US military personnel are still deployed in Niger.

‘Condescending attitude’

The announcement comes after a senior US delegation’s three-day visit to Niger this week.

Abdramane mentioned that the US delegation was received as a courtesy but did not follow diplomatic norms by not giving details about their arrival date, delegation members, and the purpose of their visit.

Abdramane stated that in the meetings, officials from Niger and America talked about the military transition in Niger and the military collaboration between the two countries.

Abdramane expressed the government of Niger's regret at the American delegation's decision to prevent the Nigerien people from choosing their partners and the types of partnerships that can effectively help them combat terrorists.

He also highlighted Niger's strong disapproval of the condescending behavior exhibited by the US.

He expressed concern that this attitude could harm the long-standing relationship between our two governments and erode trust. He also denied the existence of any secret agreement between Niger, Russia, and Iran.

CNN has reached out to the US Department of Defense for comment.

Editor's P/S:

The recent termination of the US-Niger agreement highlights the growing tensions between the two countries following Niger's military coup in 2023. Niger's decision to denounce the agreement, which allowed US military and civilian personnel to operate within its territory, reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the perceived unfairness and lack of respect for Niger's sovereignty. The US delegation's visit this week, which failed to address Niger's concerns and exhibited a condescending attitude, further strained the relationship.

The termination of the agreement has significant implications for the US in the region. Niger has been a key ally in the fight against terrorism, providing a base for US troops and intelligence operations. The withdrawal of US troops will likely affect the US's ability to combat terrorism in the region. Additionally, Niger's decision to denounce the agreement could lead to other countries questioning the US's presence in Africa, potentially undermining its influence and security interests on the continent. the US will respond to Niger's decision and whether it will have broader implications for US-Africa relations.