Soon after having asked US troops to leave the country, Niger’s military ruler Abdourahmane Tiani held phone talks with Putin on security cooperation.
“There was also an exchange of views on the situation in the Sahel region with an emphasis on coordinating actions in matters of ensuring security and combating terrorism,” the Kremlin said.
Russia’s influence grew in the Sahel after coups brought to power military rulers in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, followed by a withdrawal of western troops.
The US planned to send a delegation to visit Niger in the wake of its decision to expel US troops.
“The U.S. delegation was there to raise a number of concerns… We were troubled (about) the path that Niger is on. And so, these were direct and frank conversations, to have those in person, to talk about our concerns and to also hear theirs. U.S. officials expressed concern over Niger’s potential relationships with Russia and Iran.” the Pentagon Spokesperson, Sabrina Singh stated.
Colonel Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for Niger’s junta, speaking on TV, said the U.S. delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol, and that Niger was not informed about the composition of the delegation, the date of its arrival or the agenda.
He added: “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.”
“Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people,” he added.