America's military presence in Niger declared illegal – Colonialism in retreat in Africa
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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
Pars Today –The African state of Niger has scrapped its military ties with the United States.
Niger has denounced “with immediate effect” a defense pact that allows Washington to operate its $100 million drone base in the country.
Authorities in Niamey have decided to revoke the agreement with the US which allowed American military personnel and Pentagon's civilian contractors to operate in Niger, a spokesman for the government announced on national television.
A military spokesman, representing the ruling military council, announced that US military presence in Niger from now on will be deemed illegal, and contrary to the national interests of the country.
Niger’s new government, which has been in power since the ouster of pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum last July, has taken a number of steps to cut ties with Niamey’s former military partners.
France completed the withdrawal of its troops from Niger in December, after the leadership in Niamey cut ties with the former colonial rulers and ordered their forces to leave the country.
The new government in Niger, together with new military rulers in Mali and Burkina Faso, have spearheaded a movement in Africa which has led to a weakening of European and American influence and presence in the African continent.
MD/ME
