IN a surprising turn of events, Niger’s ruling junta has decided to revoke a crucial military agreement with the United States, citing a flagrant breach of diplomatic protocol during a recent diplomatic exchange. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the junta’s spokesperson, delivered the announcement on Saturday, shedding light on a breakdown in communication and protocol between the two nations.
According to Abdramane, the decision follows a visit by US officials earlier in the week, led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and General Michael Langley, commander of the US Africa Command. The junta claims it was inadequately informed about the composition of the delegation, the date of their arrival, or the agenda of their discussions.
Abdramane explained, ‘Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.’ He also denounced what he described as a ‘condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.’
A US official, speaking anonymously, disclosed that discussions in Niamey included frank exchanges regarding the trajectory of Niger’s ruling military council, known as the CNSP. The official emphasised ongoing communication with the junta and pledged further updates as needed.
Since seizing power in July of the previous year, Niger’s junta has followed a trajectory similar to that of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, expelling French and other European military forces and seeking support from Russia.
Abdramane expressed Niger’s regret over what he perceived as the US delegation’s attempt to dictate partnership choices and denounced what he described as a condescending attitude from the head of the American delegation, along with threats of retaliation against Niger.
Notably, Niger has taken steps to address what it views as an unlawful presence of US troops on its soil. Abdramane declared the status and presence of US troops in Niger as illegal, alleging a violation of constitutional and democratic principles. He pointed out that an agreement, unilaterally imposed on Niger in 2012, did not mandate the US military to assist in countering militant threats.
Consequently, the government of Niger has revoked the agreement concerning the status of US military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of Defence on its territory with immediate effect.
The abrupt revocation of the military accord underscores growing tensions in the region and signals a potential shift in alliances for Niger, which has historically relied on international partnerships to combat terrorism in the Sahel region.