Niger’s prime minister has blamed the US for the deterioration in relations between the two countries, as around 1,000 US troops prepare to withdraw from Niamey in the coming months.
Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine told the Washington Post that the US tried to dictate which countries Niamey could have close relations with and did not justify its military presence, citing the American failure to combat terrorism.
Zeine compared the failure of U.S. troops to stop a growing terrorist threat in Niger with what he said was more robust American support for its allies Israel and Ukraine in their respective threats.
“Americans stood on our soil, doing nothing while terrorists killed people and burned down cities,” he told the Post. “It is not a sign of friendship to come to our soil, but to let terrorists attack us.”
Zeine also took offense at what he said were U.S. officials demanding that Niger not engage closely with Iran and Russia, two of Washington’s adversaries.
He claimed there was an ultimatum to have security with the US or be close to Tehran and Moscow, while the pursuit of an Iranian uranium deal would result in US sanctions. Zeine said Niger has not signed a uranium deal.
“First, you came here to threaten us in our country. This is unacceptable,” he told the Post. “And you came here to tell us who we can relate to, which is also unacceptable. And you did all of this with a condescending tone and a lack of respect.”
A US official told the newspaper that Niger was “presented with a choice, not an ultimatum” about continuing relations.
Niger suffered a military coup last year, which saw the installation of Zeine as prime minister following the ouster of the country’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum.
Since then, the nation has become more hostile to Western forces closest to US adversaries, this year hosting Russian military trainers and the president of Iran on a state visit.
Niger ordered France to withdraw troops before negotiating a new deal with the US that culminated in the Pentagon’s announcement that it would eventually withdraw all its forces last month after more than a decade in the country.
The upcoming withdrawal is another setback for the US in Africa’s Sahel region, which has suffered several coups d’état in recent years that have ultimately benefited Russia.
Zeine told The Post that after the French withdrew troops following the coup, Niger was open to maintaining an American presence there, but said he was unable to reach an agreement for more military resources. The US has expressed concern that Niger is not exerting pressure to restore democracy in the country.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
