The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training
1 year, 2 months ago

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. In August, Niger’s military rulers said they would restore constitutional order within three years and would decide on the country’s roadmap through the results from a national dialogue. The Biden administration had been delaying a coup decision because Niger plays a critical role in U.S. counterterrorism activity in Africa’s Sahel region and is seen by many countries as one of the last democratic nations in the region to partner with to counter jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. While the coup declaration comes with consequences, it reflects the reality of the situation, which indicates that the ousting of Bazoum is unlikely to be reversed, said Peter Pham, former U.S. special envoy for West Africa’s Sahel region and a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.

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History of this topic

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger
3 months, 1 week ago

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger is complete, an American official said Monday. Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the West African country. The U.S. handed over its last military bases in Niger to local authorities last month, but about two dozen American soldiers had remained …

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
4 months, 2 weeks ago

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a joint statement on Monday. The handing over of Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez came after …

U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
4 months, 2 weeks ago

U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

LA Times  

The U.S. has handed over its last military base in Niger, in the city of Agadez, to the country’s authorities. The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a …

A year has passed since Niger’s dramatic coup. Life has become more dangerous and desperate
4 months, 4 weeks ago

A year has passed since Niger’s dramatic coup. Life has become more dangerous and desperate

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — When a group of military officers appeared on state television in Niger one year ago to make a dramatic announcement of a coup, they said they deposed the West African nation’s elected government for two key reasons: its security, and economic crises. “Niger’s army is running out of material with the retreat of Western forces which the …

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says

India TV News  

Niamey : An ambush by a “terrorist group” killed 21 Nigerien soldiers near the country's border with Burkina Faso on Tuesday, Niger's ruling military junta said in a statement read on national television. Niger and neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso are also battling movements linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State extremist group in a decade-long conflict in the Sahel …

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia
6 months, 3 weeks ago

US military defends Africa strategy in light of coups and a drift toward Russia

Associated Press  

AGADIR, Morocco — The head of the U.S. military in Africa vigorously defended the country’s counterterrorism strategy on the continent and vowed to press forward with it despite a wave of criticism and a drift among African nations toward seeking security help from Russia instead. The 6,000 members of the U.S. military stationed in Africa are confronting new setbacks as …

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger
7 months ago

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger

Al Jazeera  

Strengthening ties with Russia as it pulls back from Western allies, Niger has deemed US troops’ presence ‘illegal’. The United States says it will pull all its troops out of Niger within the next four months or so after the West African country’s military government ordered them to leave. Niger last month told Washington to withdraw its military personnel, which …

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says
7 months ago

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — U.S. troops ordered out of Niger by the West African country’s ruling junta will complete their withdrawal by the middle of September, the Pentagon and Nigerien defense officials said Sunday. The U.S. also will leave behind infrastructure it has built over the years to support the approximately 1,000 troops who have been based there to conduct counterterrorism missions, …

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here

Live Mint  

Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces from the country. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using …

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP
7 months, 4 weeks ago

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP

Associated Press  

BOSTON — There has been no final decision on whether or not all U.S. troops will leave Niger and Chad, two African countries that are integral to the military’s efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region, a top U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The State Department said Wednesday night that U.S. and Nigerien …

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
8 months ago

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington and its allies in the region in terms of staging security operations in the Sahel. The prime minister of Niger, appointed by the ruling military junta, Ali Lamine Zeine, and U.S. deputy secretary …

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia
8 months ago

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia

Al Jazeera  

The US built a base in the desert city of Agadez at the cost of $100m for manned and unmanned surveillance flights. The US Department of State agreed to pull out about 1,000 troops from the country that has been under military rule since July 2023, US media reported late on Friday. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and …

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
8 months ago

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

LA Times  

A U.S. flag and Niger flag are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, on April 16, 2018. The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
8 months ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
8 months ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States is attempting …

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops
8 months, 1 week ago

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops

Al Jazeera  

In March, Niger suspended its military cooperation with the US after military government leaders severed ties with France last year. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Niger’s capital to demand the departure of United States troops, after the military government further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the US and welcoming Russian military instructors. …

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
9 months ago

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is working with Niger officials, seeking a way for U.S. troops to stay in the country — a key base for counterterrorism operations in sub-Saharan Africa — following a weekend directive that they leave. Last week a high level-delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense …

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
9 months ago

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Pentagon is working with …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
9 months, 1 week ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Hindu  

The United States scrambled on March 17 to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger's junta said it was ending its years-long military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by Marine Gen. …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
9 months, 1 week ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States scrambled on Sunday to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger’s junta said it was ending its yearslong military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by …

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified
9 months, 1 week ago

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Niger’s junta said Saturday the U.S. military presence in the country is no longer justified, making the announcement on state television after holding high-level talks with U.S. diplomatic and military officials this week. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and is home to a major airbase. He said Niger …

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman
9 months, 1 week ago

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman

Al Jazeera  

The suspension follows an earlier move that has seen thousands of French soldiers exit the West African nation. Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”, according to the ruling military spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane, in a blow to US security interests in the region. The pact allowed US military personnel and civilian defence staff …

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation
9 months, 1 week ago

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation

LA Times  

Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, front center, makes a statement on July 26, 2023, in Niamey, Niger, as a delegation of military officers appeared on Niger State TV announcing their coup d’etat. The U.S. is scrambling to assess its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region of Africa after the ruling junta in Niger said it was ending military cooperation with Washington. …

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership
1 year ago

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta on Monday scrapped two key military agreements that the West African nation signed with the European Union to help fight the violence in Africa’s Sahel region as the country’s army leaders and a senior Russian defense official discussed military cooperation. Before the coup that deposed the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, Niger had been the West …

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure
1 year, 2 months ago

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — France has completed the withdrawal of troops from a northern base in Niger as part of a planned departure from the West African country in the wake of July’s military coup. Nearly 200 troops, 28 trucks and two dozen armored vehicles left the Ouallam military base, which has been handed to Niger, a junta spokesman, Col. Maj. …

Blinken calls deposed Niger leader ahead of expected US declaration that his overthrow was a coup
1 year, 2 months ago

Blinken calls deposed Niger leader ahead of expected US declaration that his overthrow was a coup

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum ahead of an expected decision by the Biden administration to formally declare that his overthrow was a coup d’etat. The State Department said Blinken called Bazoum on Monday to stress that a restoration of a freely elected government remains the best way for Niger to not only …

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training
1 year, 2 months ago

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training

LA Times  

The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. Senior administration officials told reporters that the U.S. was taking action after exhausting all avenues to preserve constitutional order in the West African nation, including urging the military leaders to restore civilian rule within …

France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel
1 year, 2 months ago

France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In response, the junta welcomed the end of “imperialist and neo-colonialist forces" and said …

Niger’s junta accuses United Nations chief of blocking its participation at General Assembly
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta accuses United Nations chief of blocking its participation at General Assembly

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — The military government that seized power in Niger has accused United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of “obstructing” the West African nation’s full participation at the U.N.'s annual meeting of world leaders in order to appease France, Niger’s former colonizer, and its allies. The decision to not allow the junta’s envoy to speak at the U.N. General Assembly …

Niger’s junta seeks to strengthen its grip on power and prepare for possible regional intervention
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta seeks to strengthen its grip on power and prepare for possible regional intervention

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — The mutinous soldiers who overthrew democratically elected Niger President Mohamed Bazoum announced a raft of measures over the weekend that analysts say are aimed at strengthening their grip on power while preparing to defend against any military attempt by regional leaders to reinstate Bazoum. Seidik Abba, a Nigerien researcher and president of the Paris-based International Center for …

Niger’s junta invites Mali and Burkina Faso to aid its defense, asks the French ambassador to leave
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta invites Mali and Burkina Faso to aid its defense, asks the French ambassador to leave

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta authorized troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to its defense and asked the French ambassador to leave the country Friday, raising the stakes in a standoff with other West African nations who are threatening force to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president. Gen. Abdrahmane Tchiani, signed two executive orders authorizing the “security forces …

Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan is a ‘provocation,’ says West African regional bloc
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan is a ‘provocation,’ says West African regional bloc

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — The West African bloc ECOWAS rejected the proposal by Niger’s mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule, with a commissioner describing the slow timeline as a provocation. The door for diplomacy with Niger’s junta remained open but the bloc is not going to engage in drawn-out talks that lead nowhere, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner …

Niger coup leader proposes a three-year transition of power
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger coup leader proposes a three-year transition of power

Al Jazeera  

Abdourahmane Tchiani, who met an ECOWAS delegation in Niamey, also warns that any military intervention in Niger ‘will not be a walk in the park’ for those involved. Niger’s coup leader has proposed a three-year transition of power after meeting a delegation of West African leaders and warned that any attack on the country would “not be a walk in …

Leader of Niger’s junta says it will restore civilian rule within 3 years, but gives no details
1 year, 4 months ago

Leader of Niger’s junta says it will restore civilian rule within 3 years, but gives no details

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — The leader of mutinous soldiers who ousted Niger’s democratically elected president said Saturday night that they will return the country to civilian rule within three years. On Friday, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to commit troops to military intervention, saying they were “ready to …

US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says
1 year, 4 months ago

US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is making precautionary plans to evacuate two key drone and counter-terror bases in Niger if that becomes necessary under the West African nation’s new ruling junta, the Air Force commander for Africa said Friday. That planning includes looking for U.S.-allied nations in the Saharan and Sahel regions, some of the world’s most active areas for al-Qaida- …

11 nations of West Africa commit to a military deployment to restore the ousted president of Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

11 nations of West Africa commit to a military deployment to restore the ousted president of Niger

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Eleven West African nations have agreed to commit troops to a military deployment aimed at restoring Niger’s democratically elected president following last month’s coup, an official for the regional bloc said Friday after a defense ministers meeting. The overthrow of the president nearly one month ago has been a big blow to the United States, France and …

West African militaries meet to finalise possible Niger intervention
1 year, 4 months ago

West African militaries meet to finalise possible Niger intervention

The Hindu  

West African army chiefs were due to hold a second and final day of talks on Friday in Ghana's capital Accra, where they have been hashing out the details of a possible military intervention in Niger if diplomacy fails to reverse a military coup. Military officers deposed Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have defied calls from the …

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree ‘D-day’ for Niger military intervention
1 year, 4 months ago

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree ‘D-day’ for Niger military intervention

Al Jazeera  

The West African bloc agrees to activate standby force as a last resort if diplomatic efforts fail after coup in Niger. West Africa’s main bloc has agreed on a “D-day” for possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained President Mohamed Bazoum last month. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the …

Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs meet to discuss potential military force
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs meet to discuss potential military force

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — West African defense chiefs met Thursday to discuss the crisis in Niger after coup leaders there ignored their deadline to step down, leaving the region’s countries with few options in their effort to restore democratic rule. Niger’s coup was seen by the international community and ECOWAS as one too many and in addition to threatening a military …

First major jihadi attack since coup kills 17 and wounds dozens in Niger, fueling Western fears
1 year, 4 months ago

First major jihadi attack since coup kills 17 and wounds dozens in Niger, fueling Western fears

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Insurgents killed 17 soldiers and wounded nearly 24 in the first major attack in half a year against the army in Niger, where Western powers fear a coup by the elite presidential guard last month is weakening a rare ally against jihadi violence in West Africa’s Sahel region. It was the first major attack against Niger’s army …

Niger’s junta gains the upper hand over the regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s junta gains the upper hand over the regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — One week after a deadline passed for mutinous soldiers in Niger to reinstate the country’s ousted president or face military intervention, the junta has not acquiesced. The West African bloc ECOWAS had given the soldiers that overthrew Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum until last Sunday to release and reinstate him or they threatened military action. ECOWAS …

Niger’s junta gains the upper hand over the regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s junta gains the upper hand over the regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say

LA Times  

Children run in the streets of Niamey, Niger, where people demonstrated Sunday in favor of the recent coup. One week after a deadline passed for mutinous soldiers in Niger to reinstate the country’s ousted president or face military intervention, the junta has not acquiesced. The West African bloc ECOWAS had given the soldiers that overthrew Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed …

Allies of Niger president overthrown by military are appealing to the US and others: Save his life
1 year, 4 months ago

Allies of Niger president overthrown by military are appealing to the US and others: Save his life

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. President Mohamed Bazoum, leader of the last remaining Western-allied democracy across a vast stretch …

Allies of Niger president overthrown by military are appealing to the US and others: Save his life
1 year, 4 months ago

Allies of Niger president overthrown by military are appealing to the US and others: Save his life

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — After nearly three weeks of appealing to the United States and other allies for help restoring Niger’s president to power, friends and supporters of the democratically elected leader are making a simpler plea: Save his life. President Mohamed Bazoum, leader of the last remaining Western-allied democracy across a vast stretch of Africa’s Sahara and Sahel, sits confined with …

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

The Hindu  

Tensions are escalating between Niger's new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger's flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc said on Thursday it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. Hours earlier, two Western officials …

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Tensions are escalating between Niger’s new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger’s flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc said on Thursday it had decided to deploy a “standby force” aimed at restoring constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum …

US to hold Niger military junta accountable for detained leader's safety, Blinken says
1 year, 4 months ago

US to hold Niger military junta accountable for detained leader's safety, Blinken says

The Hindu  

The United States will hold the junta that took power in Niger accountable for the safety of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday. "The United States joins the Economic Community of West African States in calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger," …

West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

LA Times  

Leaders of West African nations are trying to find a solution to the political crisis in Niger following a military coup there. The ECOWAS organization said Thursday that it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. On Friday the African Union expressed strong support for …

ECOWAS leaders say all options open in Niger, including ‘use of force’
1 year, 4 months ago

ECOWAS leaders say all options open in Niger, including ‘use of force’

Al Jazeera  

West African bloc activates standby force for possible Niger intervention, says it wants a peaceful restoration of democracy. The remarks came as the 15-member Economic Community of West African States met in Nigeria’s Abuja on Thursday for an emergency summit to discuss responses to last month’s military takeover in Niger, after the coup leaders defied their earlier threat to use …

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