No going back on expulsion of US troops, says Niger military junta

Niger’s ruling junta has reiterated its demand for US troop withdrawal, undermining Washington’s security interests in the Sahel.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the military junta, ordered US soldiers to withdraw last month after the military arrangement expired.

At least 650 US troops are stationed in Niger to monitor terrorists’ activities in the country.

Niger’s junta stated in a statement on Sunday that they had not benefited from the US military presence, which “turned out to be a fool’s bargain”.

“How can we talk about the interests of Niger, when the Americans stationed here refuse to provide us with the coordinates of the bases of the terrorists who mourn us daily?” the statement said.

“How can we talk about the interests of Niger when the United States of America does not pay a single kopeck [Russian unit of money] to Niger for stationing its forces on our territory?”

It accused the United States of profiting from Niger, interfering with its internal affairs, and attempting to dominate its foreign relations.

The ruling junta also faulted Washington for not paying for the stationing of troops on the territory of the West African nation.

Despite the accusations, the US State Department and Pentagon have played down Niger’s rejection of the military pact, claiming that talks between the two nations are ongoing.

Niger’s military junta had turned towards Russia after cutting ties with France and other European allies.