Niger’s ruling junta has reaffirmed its demand for the withdrawal of US troops, dealing a blow to Washington’s security interests in the Sahel region.
Last month, military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani ordered the departure of US troops following the termination of a military agreement.
Currently, approximately 650 US personnel are stationed in Niger to monitor jihadist activity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Niger’s junta expressed dissatisfaction with the US military deal, describing it as a “fool’s bargain” that failed to benefit the nation.
The junta accused the US of exploiting Niger, meddling in its internal affairs, and attempting to control its foreign relations.
The statement questioned the sincerity of US interests in Niger, citing the failure to provide coordinates of terrorist bases and the absence of financial compensation for hosting US forces.
While the US State Department and Pentagon downplayed Niger’s rejection of the military agreement, they noted that ongoing discussions between the two countries persisted.
Initially displaying a positive attitude towards the US, Niger’s military junta has shifted towards Russia after severing ties with France last year.