Niger has established military partnerships with Russia, Turkey, and other nations due to the absence of support from the United States in combating terrorism. Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine stated this in an interview with the Washington Post.
"The Americans stayed on our land, doing nothing while terrorists were killing people and burning cities. Coming to our land but allowing terrorists to attack us is not a sign of friendship. We have seen what the U.S. will do to protect its allies because we have seen Ukraine and Israel," Zeine said, adding that Niger's government was puzzled by the U.S.'s decision to freeze military support while insisting on maintaining troops in the country without justifying their continued presence.
Zeine emphasized that Niger would not have sought assistance from Russia and other countries if the U.S. had responded to its request for increased support. The response from Washington to the coup in Niger sharply contrasted with that of other countries, including Russia, Turkey, and the UAE, which welcomed Niger's new leaders. Particularly upsetting to Niger's new authorities was the behavior of Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, who urged the Nigerien government to refrain from engaging with Iran and Russia if Niger wanted to continue its security relationship with the US Zeine noted that Washington even threatened sanctions if Niger proceeded with a deal to sell uranium to Iran.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that his attempts to meet with U.S. officials in Washington over several months were rejected, and a new agreement regulating the presence of American troops in Niger, developed by Vice President Salifu Modi, was dismissed by the Americans. Despite this, Zeine expressed hope for U.S. assistance, including economic support. "No Nigerien considers the United States an enemy. If American investors came, we would give them what they want. We have uranium. We have oil. We have lithium. Come, invest. That's all we want," he added.
US Presence in Niger
Prior to the coup that saw President Mohamed Bazoum ousted by the head of the presidential guard, Abdourahamane Tchiani, American soldiers provided training, intelligence, and equipment to Nigerien forces. After the coup, U.S. activities were limited to measures necessary for the security of American troops. Earlier, Politico reported that the U.S. Department of Defense decided to withdraw approximately 1,000 American military personnel from Niger over the next few months. According to a source in Politico, these troops will be redeployed to other countries in the region, from where they can continue to conduct operations.
In March, Niger terminated a military agreement with the US that established an American drone base in the north of the African country. Explaining their decision, Niger's military authorities stated that the agreement was imposed on the country and did not serve the interests of the people. By the end of 2023, there were about 1,100 US troops in Niger, most stationed at an airbase near Agadez.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Pascal Treichler\Pixabay
Based on materials from TASS