Niger’s authorities have torn up a military agreement with the US that gave Washington the ability to station its military in the country, Reuters reports. The decision follows a recent visit to the country by a US delegation.
“The ruling military junta of Niger” cancelled the military agreement that allows the US military and civilian personnel of the US Department of Defence to be on the territory of the country, writes Reuters citing the spokesman of the military transitional government Amadou Abdraman.
The article notes that the decision takes effect immediately and was made after a visit by US officials led by US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Fee. In addition, the head of the Pentagon’s Africa Command, Michael Langley, also attended the talks.
Commenting on the visit, Abdraman emphasised that the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol and that Niger was not informed of the delegation’s composition, date of arrival and agenda.
As of last year, the African country had about 1,100 U.S. troops in two bases, including a drone base built in central Niger at a cost of more than $100 million.
