Baghdad-INA
The ruling military regime in Niger has canceled “with immediate effect” the military cooperation agreement concluded in 2012 with the United States, which may lead to the expulsion of American military personnel from the country, similar to the French army.
After the July 26 coup, the military who seized power in Niger were quick to demand the departure of French soldiers and canceled many military agreements concluded with Paris.
The last French soldiers deployed in Niger as part of the war against terrorism left the country on December 22.
After the military coup that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, Washington suspended its cooperation with Niger.
However, the United States deploys about 1,100 soldiers participating in the fight against armed groups in the country and has a large drone base in Agadez (north).
In December, it expressed its readiness to resume this cooperation with conditions.
In a statement read on national television on Saturday evening, Amadou Abra Rahman, spokesman for the Nigerien government, said: “The Nigerien government, taking into account the aspirations and interests of the people, decides with all responsibility to cancel with immediate effect the agreement regarding the status of the United States military personnel and civilian employees in the Ministry of Defense.” America on the territory of Niger.
Abdel Rahman pointed out that the American military presence is “illegal” and “violates all constitutional and democratic rules.”
This agreement is “unjust,” according to Niamey, and was “unilaterally imposed” by the United States through a “simple verbal note” on July 6, 2012.
This step comes shortly after the departure of an American delegation headed by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly V.
2024-03-19 21:45:47