Niger: Niamey will henceforth dictate the forms of military cooperation with foreign powers

Having broken off two agreements (military and civilian) with the European Union and obtained France’s departure from Niamey (departure of French soldiers and ambassador, closure of the embassy), the Niger authorities are now imposing safeguards on cooperation with other foreign powers, in particular those that remained in Niamey after France’s departure. These include the United States, Germany, Italy and Belgium.

According to Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, defence and military cooperation agreements with partners still present in Niger will «henceforth be strictly governed by legislation».

This provision, which forms part of the «affirmation of sovereignty, the safeguarding of the homeland and the defence of Niger’s interests», responds to the demands and aspirations of the people of Niger.

According to the Minister of National Defence, General Salifou Mody, these texts, which will regulate the stationing of foreign military troops on Nigerien soil, confirm the new dynamic that the Nigerien authorities want to inject into their military cooperation.

In other words, the new partnerships to support the strengthening of Niger’s defence capabilities will take place in «strict compliance with the country’s regained sovereignty».

The United States has nearly 1,000 soldiers at its military base in Niamey Diori Hamani, the second largest on the continent after Djibouti (Chad).

Germany has 100 soldiers based in Tillia in the north of the Tahoua region, and a number of Belgian and Italian soldiers as part of the European Union’s EUCAP Sahel force.

Titi KEITA