Amid a ten-day-long coup in Niger, U.S. forces at a key counterterrorism base in the West African region are facing heightened challenges. The coup has disrupted flights in and out of the country. American personnel are now required to seek permission for each flight. Additionally, fuel shortages have compelled the U.S. commander to personally authorize aircraft refuelling.
While several European countries have evacuated their citizens from Niger in response to scattered anti-Western protests following the coup. The Biden administration has shown its determination to remain. Niger is considered the last and most crucial counterterrorism outpost for the United States in the region until the coup. It was viewed as a promising democracy in an unstable region south of the Sahara Desert.
Abandoning Niger carries significant risks, including the possibility of a surge in jihadist groups and increased influence by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, U.S. diplomats have chosen to keep their embassy open and continue their presence in the country.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Thursday, urging the Nigerien presidential guards to release democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum and restore the nation’s hard-earned democracy. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in constant communication with Niger’s captive president. Reaffirming U.S. support for his safety and return to power.
Hope for Return to Civilian Governance
President Bazoum himself made a passionate plea for international assistance in restoring Niger’s constitutional order in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post. He warned that the central Sahel region could fall under Russian influence through the Wagner Group if not assisted, and Islamic extremists might exploit Niger’s instability to target the nation’s youths with anti-Western indoctrination.
Despite the ongoing military overthrow, U.S. officials have refrained from formally labelling it a coup. Expressing hope for a return to civilian governance.
The United States firm stance in Niger contrasts with its response to other recent international crises and armed takeovers. For instance, during the fighting between rival generals in nearby Sudan in April. American diplomats and security forces were among the first to evacuate and suspend operations.
The 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, another significant territory for counterterrorism operations. Showcased the administration’s willingness to scale back security obligations to focus on the main challenge posed by China.