US initiates talks on troops withdrawal from Niger - State Department

"As part of ongoing U.S. government negotiations with the National Committee for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP), U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Major General Ken Ekman, Director of Strategy, Engagement, and Programs for U.S. Africa Command, will meet with CNSP officials in Niamey on April 25 to initiate discussions on an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger," the US State Department says.

Next week the next stage of negotiations on the withdrawal of American units will be held by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict Christopher Maier and Director of Joint Force Development of the Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Dag Anderson.

"The United States is proud of the security cooperation and shared sacrifice of U.S. forces and Nigerien forces, a partnership which effectively contributed to stability in Niger and the region. Amid discussion underway since July 2023, we have been unable to reach an understanding with the CNSP to continue that security cooperation in a manner that addresses the needs and concerns of each side," the US State Department adds.

It is emphasized that the United States welcomes the interest of Niger's representatives in maintaining strong bilateral relations.

Situation in Niger

In July 2023, the bodyguards of the President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, staged a coup d'état. Several African countries were ready to provide their military to invade Niger to stop the coup d'état.u

At the same time, the Niger junta accused France of deploying troops in many West African countries for military intervention. In addition, in March 2024, against the background of pressure from Iran and the Russian Federation, the Niger junta terminated the military agreement with the United States.

In addition, in March, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States accused Niger of preparing an agreement to give Iran access to local uranium deposits.