The recent announcement by Niger to terminate its military cooperation agreement with the United States, resulting in the expulsion of 1,000 American armed forces personnel, has reverberated across the Sahel region, marking a significant departure in the country’s foreign policy trajectory.
This decision, declared by Niger’s military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, follows discussions with a delegation from Washington, including senior officials such as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and US Africa Command head General Michael Langley. According to statements from General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s military junta, the US delegation’s visit lacked adherence to established diplomatic protocols, raising concerns regarding transparency and mutual respect. The Nigerien government accused the delegation of adopting a condescending attitude and attempting to dictate Niger’s partnerships during the discussions.[i] This perceived disregard for diplomatic etiquette was strongly condemned by Niger, further complicating bilateral relations.
Niger’s political landscape took a dramatic turn in July 2023 when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leading an elite guard force, detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The international community, including the United States, swiftly condemned what appeared to be a military takeover in Niger. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding democratic processes, calling for the immediate release of President Bazoum and affirming support for his legitimate presidency.
Following this coup, the United States swiftly responded by suspending security cooperation with the country’s military forces. Nonetheless, Senior Pentagon officials underscored the importance of maintaining a presence in Niger, highlighting its critical role in regional counterterrorism efforts.[ii] Niger’s strategic location in Africa’s Sahel region positions it as a key ally in the fight against terrorism, where groups like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and other extremist organizations operate with impunity.
The vast and porous borders of Niger make it an attractive haven for terrorist factions seeking safe havens and transit routes for illicit activities. Its expansive desert terrain and sparse population create challenges for effective surveillance and law enforcement, providing ample opportunities for terrorist groups to establish footholds and launch attacks with relative impunity. Hence, it becomes imperative for Western powers to maintain a robust presence in the country.
In parallel with the developments seen in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger too has taken decisive actions in its foreign relations, notably by expelling French and other European forces from its territory. Previously, under the presidency of Mr. Bazoum, France was considered a crucial military partner. Mr. Bazoum had actively sought the deployment of French troops and other European special forces into Niger’s western border areas following their withdrawal from Mali in 2022. These areas were particularly vulnerable to jihadist attacks, and the presence of international forces operating under Nigérien command was deemed essential for bolstering security and stability.
However, following President Emmanuel Macron’s vocal condemnation of the coup that took place last year, Niger’s new military rulers opted for a radical shift in policy. In a move that signaled a departure from previous cooperation, the new leadership demanded the withdrawal of French forces from Niger’s territory. By removing Weestern external military presence, Niamey aims to recalibrate its relationships and prioritize partnerships that align more closely with its national interests and strategic objectives.
In this context, Russia emerges as a notable player in Niger’s foreign policy calculus. Abdramane emphasized that Russia is a longstanding partner with whom Niger has military cooperation agreements, primarily aimed at acquiring essential military equipment to bolster its counterterrorism efforts.
Niger’s denial of the accusations levelled by the United States regarding covert agreements with Russia or Iran, notably concerning uranium trade with the latter, portrays a stance of defiance against external interference in its sovereign affairs. Amidst this assertion of independence, the U.S. stance of lecturing Niger on matters such as democracy and its engagements with Russia underscores a broader narrative that diminishes the agency and autonomy of African nations.
In the security sphere, Abdramane emphasized that the military cooperation agreement between Niger and the United States, signed in 2012, was not a product of mutual consent but rather imposed on Niger, undermining the sovereignty and democratic principles of the West African nation. In his statement, Abdramane highlighted that the agreement ran counter to the constitutional and democratic norms that govern Niger’s governance structures. He asserted that such agreements should be negotiated transparently and in accordance with the will of the Nigerien people, rather than being imposed upon them by external forces. Furthermore, Abdramane also argued that the agreement failed to align with the aspirations and interests of the Nigerian populace. He contended that it was not only fundamentally unjust in its substance but also failed to serve the broader socioeconomic and security needs of the country.[iii]
U.S. officials and Western analysts have expressed uncertainty regarding the junta’s true intentions behind the decision to revoke the American military presence in Niger. While the announcement of expulsion appears drastic, there are lingering questions about whether the junta’s primary goal is to entirely remove American forces or to leverage this pronouncement as a bargaining chip in negotiations.[iv]
[i] “Niger Ends ‘Unfair’ Military Accord With US, Reveals Threats Were Made”, Almayadeen, https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/niger-ends–unfair–military-accord-with-us–reveals-threats, (Accessed: 22.03.2024).
[ii] “Niger Ends Military Agreement With US, Calls It ‘Profoundly Unfair’”, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/16/africa/niger-ends-us-military-agreement-intl-hnk/index.html, (Accessed: 22.03.2024).
[iii] “Niger Ends Military Co-Operation Agreement With US”, Report Azerbaijan, https://report.az/en/other-countries/niger-ends-military-co-operation-agreement-with-us/, (Accessed: 22.03.2024).
[iv] “U.S Searching for A Way to Keep Troops in Niger”, The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/21/us/politics/niger-us-troops-coup.html, (Accessed: 22.03.2024).
