Niger's junta ends cooperation with U.S., putting military operations at risk across Sahel
US faces uncertainty in Sahel counterterrorism cooperation with Niger post-military junta's decision to end cooperation.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
The United States is facing uncertainty regarding its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region after Niger’s junta announced the end of military cooperation with the U.S. The decision comes after top U.S. officials visited Niger recently. The U.S. military has a significant presence in the region, with troops stationed at a major airbase in northern Niger conducting flights over the area where jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and ISIS operate. The U.S. had been working closely with Niger to combat growing insurgencies, but the situation changed following a coup that ousted the democratically elected president and the junta’s decision to sever ties with Washington. The exact reasons for the junta’s move remain unclear, but tensions have been exacerbated by U.S. warnings against forging closer ties with Russia. Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Moscow for security support, further complicating the regional dynamics. The U.S. is now reassessing its approach to diplomacy in the region amidst concerns about its diminishing influence and the impact of strained relationships on its partnerships in West Africa.