The Washington Post reports that the United States is negotiating behind the scenes with the Nigerian government on how to keep American troops in the country after junta leaders declared the presence of U.S. troops “illegal.” Ta.
Nigeria’s government, which took power in July and has historically been seen as an ally and partner in counterterrorism efforts, announced plans on Saturday to end military cooperation with the United States. according to This was reported to the Post citing a US official. But days later, “dynamic” talks are underway to determine if and how the United States can maintain a military presence in some capacity, even if at a reduced level.
The talks appear to contradict the military regime’s clear public opposition to the US military presence. But one U.S. official said the Biden administration believes the threat is less about “some kind of principled position on U.S. aid and more about the deep concerns we expressed last week about the direction the U.S. is moving in on various policies.” “I think it was a fit of anger,” he said. Frontline,” he said in a comment on the post. (Related: Pentagon quietly withdraws plans to train with military from countries accused of coups and gross rights violations)
Niger regularly hosts about 1,000 U.S. troops and operates a $110 million air base to control drone operations against Islamic militants in the region, the newspaper said.
Amadou Abdullahmane, a spokesperson for the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland (CNSP), said during a visit to Niamey during several days of meetings that American officials showed a “condescending attitude” and pressured the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland (CNSP) to end engagement with Niger. He said that he tried to control Niger’s diplomatic relations, including by making phone calls. China and Russia, according to the Post. He declared on state television on Saturday that the presence of U.S. troops violated Niger’s constitution and that the government was ending all security cooperation with the United States, effective immediately.
Niger’s leaders reportedly agreed to allow access to Iran’s uranium reserves, Wall Street Journal report. The Biden administration has privately expressed concerns about the deal, according to the Post.
On June 12, at Air Base 101 in Niger, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, met with Maj. Gen. Moussa Barmou, commander of Niger Special Operations Command, to discuss counterterrorism policies and tactics across the country. , 2023. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sergeant Amy Younger)
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander said Thursday that the CNSP has not yet formally asked U.S. troops to withdraw after questions from lawmakers, The New York Times reported. report.
“We continue to operate as we have since July, when the first coup actually took place,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon spokeswoman. Said At a press conference that day.
The Pentagon (Department of Defense) initially suspended all security cooperation activities with Niger’s military after some of the forces claimed to have overthrown democratically elected President Mohammen Bazoum.
“We have strengthened our presence through 2011. From an interagency perspective, there is ongoing dialogue from the Department and the Department of State as well with the CNSP to discuss the path forward,” she added. However, he did not go into further details.
He said the military continues to conduct surveillance flights solely for self-defense purposes.
The Department of Defense and the National Security Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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