The transitional government of Niger is contemplating a review of existing bilateral cooperation agreements, particularly with nations that have military contingents in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger conveyed this intention in a note to diplomatic missions accredited in the country. The ministry aims to "revise all agreements that were signed in the past with all partners" and will provide partners with drafts of new documents to invigorate international cooperation. The countries primarily affected by this move are those with military personnel stationed in Niger, including the US, Germany, and other EU nations, according to French radio station RFI.
Following discussions with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Niger's new authorities emphasized that foreign militaries will now be under the control of the state. The head of Niger's transitional government, Ali Lamine Zeine, expressed the country's openness to security cooperation with various partners, including Russia and the United States. He noted that while the US military will be welcomed, they must clarify their objectives to remain in the country. In December, Niger's defense minister and the deputy head of the Russian military signed a document of understanding to enhance defense cooperation.
The political situation in Niger evolved after a group of military officers from the presidential guard mutinied on July 26, declaring the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by Guard Commander Abdourahmane Tchiani, assumed governance. Tchiani signed a decree on August 10 to establish a transitional government, stating that the transitional period would not exceed three years.
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Photo: Vincent van Zeijst/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS