The divorce seems complete between Niamey and Washington, over their military cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In any case, the two capitals agreed on the principle of the withdrawal of American troops from Nigerien territory. It now remains to define the terms of this withdrawal which, it should be remembered, comes after the regime of the generals in power denounced the military cooperation agreement signed with the United States in 2012. Discussions devoted to this question even began on Thursday April 25, 2024, between the two parties who, visibly, decided to part ways with respect and without animosity. And that’s good. Indeed, the Americans do not wish to suffer the same humiliation experienced by the French, whose soldiers were chased from Nigerien territory under the conditions that we know. The Niamey authorities also seem willing to find a compromise for an amicable withdrawal. A totally different posture from the one they had towards Paris. This difference in treatment between Paris and Washington could be explained by the different attitudes of the two capitals towards the military when they took power in Niamey. Indeed, the Americans were among the first countries to recognize the legitimacy of the new authorities of Niger at a time when France officially supported the deployment of a military force envisaged by the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS), to dislodge the putschists and restore constitutional order in this member country.
Neither party has an interest in things being messy and angry.
That said, it is appropriate to welcome the dialogue initiative desired by the Nigerien authorities and the American side. No doubt this will allow them to agree on a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops and to define the conditions under which this forceps departure will take place. Because, obviously, neither party has an interest in things happening in disorder and anger. Above all, Niger has an interest in this divorce taking place without a hitch, at the risk of creating another enemy in its war against armed terrorist groups who are sowing terror and desolation among the populations. This shows that the authorities in Niamey must fully assume responsibility during these discussions with the Americans. This is all the more necessary as it is not a question of getting rid of a friend who has become a nuisance in order to throw oneself into the arms of another. In fact, it’s no secret. The departure of American troops, like that of French soldiers, is being loudly demanded by Niamey, due to its proximity to Moscow whose presence, particularly military, is being strengthened in this country. . Niger is obviously free to choose its partners, because it is a sovereign country. But this sovereignty should have no other objective apart from satisfying the real aspirations of the Nigerien people. In other words, in discussions with Washington, only the interests of Nigeriens must prevail, who only want to escape from precariousness and live in peace.
Siaka CISSE
