The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Washington was actively working on options for a revised deal aimed at retaining its foothold in the West African nation.
Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is concerned about the spread of jihadist violence where local groups have pledged allegiance to al-Qaida and the Islamic State groups. Niger is home to a major U.S. airbase, in the city of Agadez, some 920 kilometers (550 miles) from the capital Niamey, using it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. The U.S. has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in training Niger’s military since it began operations there in 2013.
Related articles
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
BALTIMORE (AP) — The container ship that caused the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key2024-05-21Ski resorts in east China make full preparations during Spring Festival holiday
People experience skiing at a ski resort in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 25, 2023.2024-05-21National Games witnesses development of China's sports map
Closing ceremony for China's 14th National Games in Xi'an, northwest Shaanxi Province on Sept. 27,202024-05-21Promotional campaign for China's ice and snow tourism launched in Dubai
A photo exhibition at the promotional event (Photo/Courtesy of the Network of International Cultural2024-05-21Online reading or offline clubs? Young Chinese embrace both in digital era
Traveling more than 1,000 kilometers from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to Beijing, literature l2024-05-21China, Thailand sign visa exemption pact
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports an2024-05-21
atest comment