Intense talks debuted on Wednesday between Nigerien authorities and US officials on the withdrawal of American troops. The Nigerien defense ministry announced in a communique the defense minister had received the Pentagon delegation.
A high-level US delegation has recently held talks in Niger to discuss the progression of the withdrawal of US troops demanded by the West African country’s military leaders, according to the defense ministry on Wednesday.
Prior to discussions, Nigerien defense minister, General Salifou Modi elaborated in a ministry communique, he had received the Pentagon delegation, headed by Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations. About 650 American troops, and several hundred contract workers, are in the West African nation as part of regional efforts to suppress extremist groups in the Sahel.
As the military government turns towards ally Russia, it says it aims for an “orderly” and “safe withdrawal as soon as possible” of American soldiers, whose presence the regime has declared to be « illegal. »
Niger’s military leaders, who came to power in a coup last July, have already expelled French troops that have traditionally provided security in the former French colony. Niamey said it was the first official meeting since Niger in March pulled out of a military cooperation agreement with the United States.
Washington accepted in April to withdraw its forces, most of whom are on a drone base near Agadez in the north that cost a reported $100 million to build.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said Niger severed its military cooperation due to « threats » made by US officials, adding Washington threatened to impose sanctions if the nation pulls through with an agreement to sell uranium to Iran, a deal the nation declined.
