Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Zein, appointed by the military regime in Niger, announced on Tuesday in an interview with The Washington Post that his country has decided to sever its military cooperation with the United States in March due to “threats” made by American officials.
“Immediate Cancellation”
The ruling military regime in Niger “immediately” canceled in March 16th the military cooperation agreement signed in 2012 with the United States.
This move came after a US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Fee departed.
“Threats of Sanctions”
The Nigerien Prime Minister stated that Fee threatened the authorities in Niamey during her visit, warning of imposing sanctions if Niger signed an agreement to sell the uranium it produces to Iran.
“Lack of Respect”
Zein added that he responded by saying, “First, you come here and threaten us in our country. This is unacceptable. And you come to tell us with whom we can establish relations, which is also unacceptable. And you do it with a haughty tone and a lack of respect.”
He further stated, “The Americans remained on our land without doing anything when terrorists were killing our people and burning our towns. Coming to our land and allowing terrorists to attack us is not a sign of friendship. We have seen what the United States does to defend its allies like Ukraine or Israel.”
Niger has been experiencing frequent attacks for about 10 years.
Washington Agrees to Withdraw Troops
Washington agreed in mid-April to withdraw its troops, numbering over a thousand soldiers, from Niger, and discussions are underway regarding the terms of this withdrawal.
In Washington, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters that US diplomacy offered “an option rooted in our beliefs about democratic principles and our national security interests.”
He added that the United States decided to withdraw its troops “in an organized and responsible manner” from Niger after concluding that the two countries were unable to reach an agreement in principle.
The United States has a large base for drone operations near Agadez in Niger.
“Welcoming with Open Arms”
Following the military coup on July 26, 2023, which ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum, the United States – among other partners – suspended its military cooperation with Niger.
Zein stated on Tuesday that this response contradicts the responses of other partners such as Russia and other countries that welcomed the new authorities in Niamey “with open arms.”
For years, Niger has been a partner of Western countries, notably France, in combating jihadist organizations in the Sahel region. However, it has shifted its focus towards Russia since the military coup in late July last year.
