In a significant foreign policy setback for the Biden administration, the United States has agreed to withdraw its remaining troops from Niger by September 15.
This decision, which has been largely overlooked by the mainstream American media, is seen as a major failure for the Biden administration's foreign policy.
The BBC reported that the U.S. and Niger have reached a disengagement agreement, which has already initiated the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 American troops from the two U.S. military bases in Niger. The military junta that seized power in Niger last year has already ordered French troops to leave, while simultaneously moving closer to Russia. Russian forces are already stationed in Niger and share the same base as U.S. troops.
The joint statement released by the U.S. and Niger commended the "joint sacrifices of Nigerien and U.S. forces in the fight against terrorism", adding that the withdrawal would not affect the continuation of U.S.-Niger relations. However, critics argue that the U.S. was forced out, and the presence of Russian forces on the U.S. base is a clear indication of this.
The Gateway Pundit has been reporting on this American humiliation since April. The breakdown in relations between the U.S. and Niger is largely attributed to Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine accused Phee of threatening the current leaders while negotiating U.S. military presence in the country. Zeine expressed his displeasure at Phee's condescending tone and lack of respect, stating, "You have come here to threaten us in our country. That is unacceptable. And you have come here to tell us with whom we can have relationships, which is also unacceptable."
In April, it was reported that U.S. troops were trapped in Niger without water and medicine. The Biden State Department was criticized for being outmaneuvered once again. The U.S. military will leave Niger and abandon a $100 million airbase to the current anti-American rulers. Russian troops have now entered the U.S. airbase in the nations capital, Niamey, and will cohabitate with the remaining Americans at the U.S. Airbase 101.
The Stars and Stripes reported that the crucial military relationship between the United States and its closest West African ally, Niger, ruptured after a visiting U.S. official made threats during last-ditch negotiations over whether American troops based there would be allowed to remain. Prime Minister Zeine blamed the United States for the breakdown, accusing American officials of trying to dictate which countries Niger could partner with and failing to justify the U.S. troop presence.
The rift between the former allies has created an opportunity for Russia, which has moved quickly to deepen its relationship with Niger, dispatching troops to the capital, Niamey, last month to train the Nigerien military and supplying a new air defense system. Russian and U.S. troops now occupy opposite ends of an air base.
After a military coup dtat ousted Nigers democratically elected President last year, the United States froze security support as required by U.S. law and paused counterterrorism activities, which had involved intelligence gathering on regional militant activities from a massive drone base in the countrys north. The United States has kept more than 1,000 military personnel in place while negotiating with Niger over their status and urging the junta to begin restoring democracy.
The Stars and Stripes revealed that Molly Phee, the State Departments top official for African affairs, was the one who destroyed U.S. relations with Niger. Phee had urged the government during a March visit to Niamey to refrain from engaging with Iran and Russia in ways objectionable to Washington if Niger wanted to continue its security relationship with the United States. She also threatened sanctions if Niger pursued a deal to sell uranium to Iran. Zeine recounted his reaction to Phee's threats, stating, "First, you have come here to threaten us in our country. That is unacceptable. And you have come here to tell us with whom we can have relationships, which is also unacceptable. And you have done it all with a condescending tone and a lack of respect."
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