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The United States is pushing for ongoing defence discussions in Niger, after the country’s leadership called for total removal of US military personnel from the West African nation.
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The US Department of Defense is assembling its resources after the Republic of Niger’s military leadership announced on 16 March that it is calling for the removal of all US military personnel and civilian staff.
The announcement follows a high-level delegation visit to Niger by US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, US Africa Command Commander General Michael Langley, and US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander.
“The delegation conducted meetings with the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and also met with civil society organisations and diplomats from other partner nations and international organisations,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, speaking at a press briefing on 18 March.
“The US delegation met with a CNSP delegation led by the Prime Minister and several cabinet ministers, as well as technical experts and advisors.
“Dr Wallander and General Langley also had a separate meeting with the Chief of the General Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
“The lengthy and direct discussions included an exchange of views on how to chart a new path of cooperation forward, emphasising the importance of respecting Niger’s sovereignty and concerns from both sides.
“We want to see our partnership continue if there is a pathway forward.”
Following the meeting, Niger leadership have reportedly declared the presence of US troops in the country as illegal as well as a violation of constitutional and democratic law.
The US currently operates two air bases (Air Base 101 Niamey, Air Base 201 Agadez) and has around 1,000 personnel and contractors deployed in Niger, previously focusing on anti-terrorism operations and currently assigned to force protection.
There have been no counter-terrorism missions run in Niger, either unilaterally or with the Nigerien government since the July coup, according to the US Department of Defense.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Singh said the administration could not confirm a withdrawal of troops or timeframe for any withdrawal.
“We are working through diplomatic channels to seek clarification. These are ongoing discussions,” she said.
“The US delegation was there to raise a number of concerns that we’ve been having from state and DOD. We were troubled on the path that Niger is on. And so these were direct and frank conversations, to have those in-person, to talk about our concerns and to also hear theirs.
“US officials expressed concern over Niger’s potential relationships with Russia and Iran … we raised our concerns in a direct and frank manner.
“We had direct conversations about some of our concerns, about … pursuing relationships with Russia and Iran. Ultimately, we want to see what our relationship could look like if there is one to pursue going forward.
“We know that Russia has, certainly, a presence within the region … they continue to pursue ties to African nations to deepen their security cooperation. We’ve seen that before in other countries.”
