The establishment of a new military government in July may impede Washington’s counterterrorism efforts in the region.
According to reports, the administration of US President Joe Biden is getting ready to formally declare that the military coup that overthrew Niger’s government in July was a coup d’état. This move will restrict Washington’s capacity to work with the West African country on regional counterterrorism operations.
As a result of the coup designation, the US State Department will announce the suspension of certain aid to Niger, CNN said on Friday, citing two unnamed officials familiar with the administration’s preparations. An official representative for the department stated, “As we continue our diplomatic engagements to preserve civilian rule in Niger, we are continuing to assess additional next steps but have nothing to preview at this time.”
Mohamed Bazoum, the president of Nigerien, was overthrown on July 26. The new government, which was unhappy with the West’s counter-insurgency campaign in the Sahel region, halted military cooperation agreements with France. Additionally, the ambassador of France was ousted by the new authorities, and this week, French troops started to leave Niger.
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According to the CNN story, the US embassy in Niamey will continue to be open as the Pentagon evaluates how the coup designation will effect its roughly 1,000 troops stationed in Niger. Washington won’t likely remove all of its troops from the nation, but those who do will play a smaller part in information gathering, the outlet reported.
US support for Niger’s economy and security may be cut off. Under the coup label, funding for the nation’s military may be outlawed.
As part of its counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, Washington maintains a number of military installations in Niger, including at least two drone bases. French and US forces have collaborated closely in the area. They supposedly work there to support the Nigerien military’s efforts to combat terrorism and improve its capabilities.
Last month, the Pentagon announced that it was relocating troops from an airstrip close to Niamey to an air facility in Agadez, which is located approximately 920 kilometres (570 miles) northeast of the capital. The action was “precautionary,” according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, who also claimed that there was no danger to American troops. She continued, “Our force posture hasn’t altered.
