In Niger’s capital, hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets to demand the withdrawal of United States troops. The military government has made a significant shift by terminating a military agreement with the US and welcoming Russian military instructors.
Marching together through central Niamey, the protesters proudly waved Nigerien flags, reminiscent of the anti-French protests that led to the withdrawal of France’s forces from Niger last year following a coup.
A hand-written sign in English boldly stated “USA rush out of Niger,” showing solidarity with the military government’s decision to revoke the agreement allowing US military personnel to operate on Nigerien territory.
One protester, Maria Saley, expressed, “We’re here to reject the American base. We do not want Americans on our land,” echoing the sentiments of the crowd chanting “Down with American imperialism” and “The people’s liberation is on the march.”
Prior to the coup, Niger had been a crucial security ally of France and the US, serving as a base for international efforts to combat a long-standing rebellion in the Sahel region of West Africa.
In March, Niger suspended its military pact with the US, where around 650 US personnel were stationed in December. The US operated a significant airbase in Agadez, Niger, utilizing it for surveillance flights and other missions.
Furthermore, a drone base known as Air Base 201 near Agadez was constructed at a cost exceeding $100 million, targeting ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) in the Sahel region since 2018.
Ties with Russia
Meanwhile, France also agreed to withdraw its troops last September in the wake…
Original from www.aljazeera.com