Niger decided to break off its military cooperation with the United States in March due to “threats” made by American officials, said the prime minister appointed by the Niamey military regime on Tuesday, May 14, in an interview. at the Washington Post.
Niger denounced the military cooperation agreement with the United States on March 16 “with immediate effect,” shortly after the departure of an American delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine Phee. According to the Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, during this visit, Ms. Phee notably threatened the Niamey authorities with sanctions if Niger signed an agreement to sell the uranium it produces to Iran.
“First, you come here to threaten us in our country. This is unacceptable. And you come and tell us who we can have relationships with, which is also unacceptable. And you do it with a condescending tone and a lack of respect,” says Mr. Zeine. “The Americans stood on our soil and did nothing when terrorists were killing our people and burning communities. It is not a sign of friendship to come to our soil and let terrorists attack us. We have seen what the United States does to defend its allies, such as in Ukraine or Israel,” continues the Prime Minister of this country, which has been plagued by recurring jihadist attacks for almost ten years.
In mid-April, Washington agreed to withdraw its more than 1,000 soldiers from Niger and discussions are underway for the terms of this withdrawal. The United States also has a large drone base near Agadez. After the July 26, 2023 coup, which overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, the United States – among other partners – suspended military cooperation. A response that contrasts with that of other partners such as Russia, Turkey or the United Arab Emirates, who welcomed the new authorities in Niamey “with open arms”, in the words of Mr. Zeine.
After the coup, the military regime quickly demanded the departure of soldiers from the former colonial power France and moved closer to Russia, which sent instructors and military equipment in April and May. American cooperation for development aid should continue with a new agreement worth nearly $500 million (€462 million) over three years, according to the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs.