Niger: Withdrawal of US troops from Niamey, the people once again rise up against Washington’s apparent refusal
A new saga of power struggle unfolds between the people of Niger and the United States regarding their disengagement from Niamey after Nigerien authorities terminated their defense agreement as part of the fight against terrorism in the country.
Following Niamey’s decision, Washington initially expressed favour but has since shown no signs of willingness to recall its troops from the Agadez base.
In less than two weeks, the sovereign people have taken matters into their own hands, demanding the immediate departure of American forces from the country.
For Nigeriens, if cooperation over several years has not succeeded in eradicating terrorism through the heavily equipped Agadez base with state-of-the-art war materials, the presence of US troops on Nigerien soil is no longer viable.
Hundreds of Nigeriens from Agadez and Tahoua demanded the withdrawal of American troops.
Many wonder how, after several years of presence in Niger with sophisticated operational capabilities to combat terrorists, no progress has been made on the security front without the intervention of Nigerien authorities themselves.
The answer seems rather simple and echoes the sentiments around military cooperation with France.
Whether French or American, their presence in Niamey was synonymous with the pillaging of the country’s resources.
What was the mission of those fighter jets and drones taking off day and night from the base to unknown destinations, causing deafening noises that affect the local populations? It remains unclear.
In essence, denouncing the agreement with the Americans is one of the lifesaving decisions made by the CNSP in its tireless efforts to regain national sovereignty and safeguard the homeland.
The CNSP should officially request the withdrawal of American troops from Niamey; perhaps that’s what Washington is waiting for to initiate the departure of its soldiers.
Titi KEITA
