Niger determined to expel US forces, diplomat says - Exclusive
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A former Nigerien diplomat tells Al Mayadeen his country is determined to expel US forces from Niger and establish stronger ties with the east.
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A US and Niger flag 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, April 16, 2018 (AP)
Niger is determined to expel US forces from its territory, Nigerien diplomat Ali Tassa told Al Mayadeen on Tuesday.
"Washington initially wanted to negotiate the continuation of an air base, but the Nigerian government refused," Tassa underlined.
He stressed that Niger was open to Russia, China, Iran, and any country that respects its sovereignty, adding that his country is strengthening its relations with Moscow.
Niger is "interested in strengthening its army to confront terrorism," Tassa said.
Withdrawal discussions started
US Defense Department spokesperson Patrick Ryder said today that the US and Niger have started discussions for the orderly withdrawal of US servicemen from Niger.
During a press briefing, Ryder said "What I would say is that we can confirm that discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of US forces from the country."
He added that the US Defense Department and the US Africa Command will take part in the withdrawal discussions with the Nigerian Government.
As for Western Africa and the Sahel, he said that the Pentagon would continue to monitor for possible threats to make sure that US personnel, assets, and interests are protected throughout the region.
"We’re going to continue to work with countries throughout the region when it comes to addressing terrorism threats throughout the region," Ryder said.
Officials stated that the United States agreed to withdraw its over 1,000 troops from Niger on April 19, altering its stance in West Africa, where the country had a significant drone base.
This came after a US Air Force military official in Niger filed a complaint to Congress requesting an investigation into the activities of US embassy staff in the country. Additionally, a segment in the document filed by the officer included a request for assistance in withdrawing military personnel from the country.
Last month, the State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that ongoing discussions between the transitional government in Niger and the United States examined the withdrawal of US troops from the African nation's grounds and the steps that would follow.
When asked about the possibility of concluding US soldiers' presence in Niger, Patel replied, "This is one of the things that we continue to be discussing with them [CNSP] and discussing next steps."
Before that, Niger declared an abrupt end to a longstanding military agreement with the United States in a fiery public address by the spokesperson of the Nigerien military.
The accord, which facilitated the "illegal" presence of American military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defense within the Nigerien borders, was severed by Niger as being unfair and a tool used by the US to undermine the nation's sovereignty.
Tensions between the two nations escalated following the ascent of Niger's military junta to power in July 2023, an event condemned by the US as a coup. Subsequently, the US began withdrawing a substantial portion of its troops stationed in Niger.
