The military junta in Niger cancels the military cooperation agreement with the United States

On Saturday, the ruling military junta in Niger canceled the military cooperation agreement with the United States, and considered the presence of American forces on Niger’s territory illegal and inconsistent with Niger’s interests.

This step comes after a three-day visit by senior American officials to the capital, Niamey.

Nigerien government spokesman Amadou Abra Rahman said in a statement on Saturday evening that the American military presence on the territory of Niger is illegal and violates all constitutional and democratic rules.

He added, "The government of Niger, taking into account the aspirations and interests of the people, decides with all responsibility to cancel with immediate effect the agreement regarding the placement of the United States military personnel and civilian employees of the US Department of Defense on the territory of Niger."

Earlier, Niger canceled the military agreements that linked it to France, after the army took power in July 2023 following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.