Niger breaks military agreement with US: Reports
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Niger’s government announces breaking off “with immediate effect” its military cooperation agreement with the United States.
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US and Niger flags are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger in April 2018. (AP)
The Nigerien government has opted to end its military agreement with the United States, which permitted US troops to stay within the African nation's borders, according to Reuters, citing Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for Niger's military transitional government.
The declaration comes after an important US delegation embarked on a visit to Niger on March 13. The delegation's mission was to engage in vital discussions, building on previous talks, with Nigerien leaders of the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP).
The focus of the discussions revolved around Niger's "return to a democratic path", as well as "the future of US security and development partnership," according to a US statement.
Last year, the United States repositioned its military forces in Niger and withdrew some non-essential personnel as a precautionary measure following the coup which overthrew Western-backed President Mohamed Bazoum, Reuters reported citing US officials.
The officials however declined to provide details on the troop movements and the evacuation effort.
The United States had 1,100 troops deployed to Niger before the departures.
Niger coup
Last year in July, Niger's government was overthrown in a coup led by members of the Presidential Guard. Soldiers claimed to have overthrown Niger's government following an apparent mutiny in the West African nation when members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum.
President Mohamed Bazoum was detained at his residence and talks to release him failed, a presidential source said.
The soldiers declared the suspension of all institutions, closed borders, and imposed a curfew. They cited reasons such as the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance as justification for ending President Bazoum's rule.
