DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Washington was actively working on options for a revised deal aimed at retaining its foothold in the West African nation.
Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is concerned about the spread of jihadist violence where local groups have pledged allegiance to al-Qaida and the Islamic State groups. Niger is home to a major U.S. airbase, in the city of Agadez, some 920 kilometers (550 miles) from the capital Niamey, using it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. The U.S. has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in training Niger’s military since it began operations there in 2013.
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
Global exhibitors seek opportunities at consumer expo in Hainan
US and Philippine forces launch combat drills in the disputed South China Sea
Former Duke guard Jeremy Roach indicates he will play a final college season at Baylor
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Terry Anderson, AP reporter abducted in Lebanon and held captive for years, has died at 76
The easily missed detail in the photos of Queen Mary's children
Damian Lillard sets Bucks' postseason mark with 35 points in opening half vs Pacers
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Hurricanes get a quick boost from Evgeny Kuznetsov addition to start NHL playoffs
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
Polish voters choose mayors in hundreds of cities in runoff election