Niger PM Accuses US of Threats, Blames Breakdown in Military Ties

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine has accused the United States of threatening sanctions and dictating the country's foreign partnerships, leading to a significant deterioration in military relations between the two nations. In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Zeine revealed that the US tone and behavior towards Nigerien officials were the primary reasons for the collapse of ties.

Why this matters: The breakdown in relations between the US and Niger has significant implications for counter-terrorism efforts in the region, as Niger has been a key base for US operations. This development may also embolden other African nations to re-evaluate their relationships with the US and potentially shift towards other global powers.

According to Zeine, a senior US official, Molly Phee, threatened Niger's authority during recent negotiations in March 2024. "First, you have come here to threaten us in our country. That is unacceptable," Zeine recounted telling Phee. "And you have come here to tell us with whom we can have relationships, which is also unacceptable. And you have done it all with a condescending tone and a lack of respect."

The breakdown in relations marks a notable setback for the Biden administration, as Niger is considered the US's closest West African ally. The country has been a key base for counter-terrorism operations in the region, with a major US drone base near Agadez city. However, following a military coup in July 2023 that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, the US suspended security agreements and assistance with Niger.

In contrast, Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have welcomed Niger's new leaders with open arms, according to Zeine. Niger has allowed Russian advisors to enter the country, with the first set of 100 advisors arriving on April 10, 2024, along with air defense systems. The US has around 1,000 troops stationed in Niger, which are now slated to be withdrawn in the coming months.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel did not dispute Zeine's account of the March meeting with Phee, stating that she presented the junta with a "choice" rooted in democratic principles and national security interests. Patel emphasized that the US decided to withdraw forces "in an orderly and responsible" way after realizing that the two sides could not come to an understanding.

Despite the rupture in military ties, US development aid to Niger is set to continue with a new agreement worth almost $500 million over three years. The breakdown in relations between the two countries occurred on May 8, 2024, with Zeine publicly blaming the US in an interview two days later. The accusations and threats exchanged underscore the challenges faced by the US in navigating partnerships in the complex geopolitical landscape of West Africa.

Key Takeaways

• Niger's PM accuses US of threatening sanctions and dictating foreign partnerships.
• Breakdown in relations affects counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.
• Niger allows Russian advisors and air defense systems, while US withdraws troops.
• US development aid to Niger will continue with a new $500 million agreement.
• Rupture in relations may embolden other African nations to re-evaluate US ties.