US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington has been maintaining contact with Niger’s ruling National Council for Homeland Defense and is actively discussing possible steps after the council announced the termination of the military agreement. This update follows reports from RIA News and reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
In response to questions about a breach of the pact, Blinken confirmed that talks are underway with the National Council of Defense to determine the next measures. The United States continues to evaluate the implications of the shift and the potential impact on security arrangements in the region.
Amadou Abdramana, who previously served as the spokesman for Niger’s transitional military government, indicated that Niger had ended the bilateral security accord with the United States. He suggested that Niger’s authorities had moved to discontinue provisions that permitted the presence of American military personnel and civilian Department of Defense staff on Nigerien soil.
The move to terminate the agreement came after a high-level American delegation, including the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, paid a visit to Niger. The delegation also featured the commander of US Africa Command. Abdramana stated that the Nigerien side felt diplomatic protocol had not been properly observed during the visit, adding that expectations for formal compliance had not been met.
Earlier remarks from the Pentagon indicated that Washington remained in contact with Nigerien officials to address the broken bilateral security framework, underscoring a careful approach to diplomacy amid the evolving security landscape in the Sahel region. The situation highlights how alliances and partnerships are adjusting in the wake of political transitions and shifting strategic calculations in West Africa.
As the dialogue unfolds, analysts note that the United States may reassess its regional footprint, capacity-building programs, and advisement roles in coordination with Niger and neighboring states. The broader context includes security concerns, counterterrorism efforts, and the financial and logistical implications of any changes to military arrangements in Niger. Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether negotiations yield a revised framework or a formal realignment of security cooperation, with potential implications for regional stability and international engagement in the region. [citation: State Department briefing, current diplomatic channels]