US optimistic about partnership with Niger

The Pentagon is working with Nigerien authorities to find a way to keep U.S. troops in Niger following a directive ordering them to leave the country. A high-level delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, traveled to Niger to meet with members of the military junta. Concerns about Niger’s potential relations with Russia and Iran were a key topic of discussion during the meeting.

The United States is closely monitoring Russia’s defense activities in Niger to assess and mitigate potential risks to personnel, American interests, and property. Junta spokesperson Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane stated that US flights over Nigerien territory in recent weeks were illegal and asserted that American bases and personnel could no longer remain in the country. Discussions between US officials and the junta are ongoing, with efforts being made to seek clarification on the situation and discuss next steps.

The junta has been in control of Niger since July, when mutinous soldiers ousted the country’s democratically elected president. The U.S. military still had around 650 troops in Niger as of December, primarily concentrated at a base located away from the capital city. This base plays a crucial role in US counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region and has been used for surveillance operations. The number of personnel in the country, including civilians and contractors, is around 1,000.

In the Sahel, the United States has supported local troops on the ground by accompanying them on missions, although these accompanied missions have been reduced since American soldiers were killed during a joint operation in Niger in 2017. The situation in Niger is complex, with the junta’s control over the country and concerns about potential alliances with Russia and Iran adding to the uncertainty surrounding the presence of US troops in the country. The discussions between US officials and the junta are ongoing as they work to find a solution that allows for the continuation of US counterterrorism operations in Niger.

The US government is actively engaging in diplomatic channels to seek clarification on the situation in Niger and discuss potential next steps. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of understanding Niger’s trajectory and working with transitional authorities to address concerns. The relationship between the US and Niger is being closely monitored as efforts are made to ensure the safety and security of US personnel and interests in the region. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for US counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and the broader region.