NIGER MILITARY SPLITS WITH US, HOWEVER, STILL HASN'T CONTACTED PENTAGON
The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) junta has represented the Niger military ever since a coup took place in 2023. This military committee has many different leaders working together to make decisions for the nation’s national security needs. With immediate effect, Niger is deciding to end its collaborations with the US government—or maybe not.Although there were reports that the U.S. military in Niger leaving the country, The Pentagon is now on standby as the CNSP has yet to demand American troops leave, despite cutting ties.Confused? That’s understandable but new reports may help provide some clarity. Here’s the latest involving the ongoing change or alignments affecting Africa.Suggested read: Military AI Is Getting More Attention From the US and Others
Niger Military Junta Splitting With US, Growing Closer to the Kremlin, Iran
The Niger military and US officials were to renew a contract as the American delegation spent time in the country with these intentions. However, the CNSP has abruptly killed all of these plans. This means that not only is the Niger government aligning closer with both Iran and Moscow, but as a result of the decision, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and military personnel are seemingly on the way out. There is growing speculation that both Iran and the Kremlin influenced the junta’s decision. Regardless, it separates the U.S. from Niger, a major ally in Africa for years. Now, the future is uncertain for the region and the relationship between the two nations. But to say that this is a complete surprise isn’t all that accurate either. What is surprising, however, is that only two days after CNSP told the US it was ending its partnership, The Pentagon is still in limbo waiting for an eviction.A televised statement by leadership within the junta from Nigerian Col. Amadou Abdramane said, “The American presence on Niger’s territory is illegal and violates all constitutional and democratic rules.”However, there are some key ongoing points surrounding the announcement:
- The Pentagon has not received word to vacate. There are specific channels for doing so and Niger has yet to reach out as of this writing.
- Furthermore, the Niger military junta has been contacted by the US for clarification, but again, no word has come.
- Lastly, there is no deadline right now to provide the government with a game plan for evacuating the Americans operating in the area.
Criticism and a Decaying Relationship
Besides the approximate 1,000 personnel members, of which around 650 are American troops in Niger, there is also a $100 million drone base known as Air Base 201 to contend with. Relations between the U.S. and Niger have been on a downward turn ever since the Niger coup military intervention. This prompted fewer collaborations along with the stoppage of American aid to the nation. Jihadists are in and around the nation, many with connections to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda. Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was supporting America’s efforts to stop jihad. He was ultimately put under house arrest following the coup by the military. French troops were ousted by the junta, Moscow was befriended, and things went even worse for the United States following the official designation of the events leading to all of this as an illegal coup. The Defense Department had already scaled back operations in response to the coup, suspending security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. This would limit military activities in Niger to flying intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft. The Africa Niger coup, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, formed the CNSP junta and the deterioration of U.S. relations. However, the United States maintained efforts to restore civilian democratic order.
Why Is the US Military in Niger?
The Niger military coup occurred in 2023 but the US military have been in the country for around a decade. During this time, the United States provided security assistance to Niger following the September 11 attacks. One notable initiative, the Pan-Sahel Initiative (PSI), included equipment allocation and periodic training of Nigerien forces by U.S. troops. In January 2013, a status of forces agreement came about between the United States and Niger. This allows U.S. troops and aircraft to operate in a non-combat capacity to support French counterterrorism efforts. The deployment included unarmed Predator drones for surveillance over Mali and Niger. About 100 U.S. troops were facilitating operations in the area. Since 2018, the base has been launching drone operations against ISIL/ISIS and al-Qaeda. This makes Niger a key hub for American operations in West and North Africa, notably at US military base in Niger, Air Base 201. Related read: Marines Evacuate US Embassy Haiti, Due to Violence
Where Does the Niger Military Junta Go From Here?
Both France and the U.S. could be leaving Niger for the first time in more than a decade. This is setting up unchartered territory for the region and many questions. Some critics look to the U.S. leaving Africa as a positive, with military operations and the fear of “forever wars” coinciding with questionable legal methods to deploy troops without declaring war. On the other hand, Iran’s mixed past with the likes of al-Qaeda gives pause for concern that some jihadist groups may thrive. What is certain among any speculation is that the U.S. has lost an important ally in Africa in stopping terrorism. Even with the United States staying for now, the Niger military junta will now need to step up its efforts and handle such operations with less assistance and aid for the future. Read next: Disabled While Serving? Learn How VR&E (Chapter 31) Can Help Updated by Buddy Blouin 3/22/2024