The US is worried about Russia’s power in Africa because Africa recently asked for U.S. troops to be pulled out of their country.
The US has two operational bases in Niger and a security agreement with Africa that lets the troops work on African land. This deal had been in place for more than ten years, but Africa has now broken it. This could mean that the military bases have to close. Before they did this, they got rid of the French troops and were offered help by the Wagner group of Russian mercenaries.
The US is afraid that if its military base is shut down, it will lose more of Africa to Russia’s control and leadership. In an effort to keep a good relationship with Africa, the US went to Niger after the French left.
Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the African military junta, said that the presence of U.S. troops was “declared illegal.” Dr. Abdramane said, “The military government strongly condemns the rude behavior and threat of violence shown by the head of the American delegation toward the Nigerian government and people.”
Concerns arose after the US said that Niger was going to let Iran use their uranium reserves, which would allow Tehran to make more nuclear weapons.
These claims were denied by Abdramane, who said, “The government of Niger rejects the false allegations of the head of the American delegation to maintain that it has signed a secret uranium agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Their statement went on to say that they were “ending the security pact with immediate effect.”
A representative from the joint chiefs of staff said that Niger sent “mixed signals,” which means there may be some room for negotiation. A spokesman for the State Department, Vedant Pate, said, “We are still in touch with Niger’s ruling military council and are asking them to clarify what they said and talking about possible next steps.”