Pentagon breaks silence on movement of US forces from Niger

The United States says no decision has been made on the movement of US forces from Niger.

This was disclosed by a Pentagon spokesman.

“There’s been no decisions made at this stage on the movement of US forces,” Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters when asked about the future of US troops in the West African country.

His remarks came a day after Niger said the US will submit a plan to “disengage” its soldiers from the country.

“Well, I did see that article…I really don’t have anything on that.

“To my knowledge, there continue to be ongoing discussions at this time,” Ryder added.

The military junta in Niger recently ended a military accord that allows military personnel and civilian staff from the U.S. Department of Defense to operate on its soil with immediate effect.

Nigerien government spokesman Amadou Abdramane said the government considers the presence of US troops on Niger’s territory illegal because “it was not democratically approved and imposes unfavorable conditions on Niger, particularly in terms of lack of transparency on military activities.”

“Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” Abdramane said.

“Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people,” he added.

The United States stations some 1,000 troops to repel terrorists activities in Niger at a desert drone base built for $100 million.

The junta in Niger, like the military rulers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, have dismissed French and other Western forces and turned to Russia for military and political support.