Several American representatives were in Niger this week. The delegation was to stay there for two days to continue discussions with the new authorities in Niamey, almost eight months after the military coup in Niger. The representatives finally extended a day to try to meet with General Tiani, but they left without being received.
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For her second visit to Niamey in three months, the American Under-Secretary of State for Africa had this time asked to meet the head of the CNSP. From a diplomatic source, the appointment had been made for an audience with General Tiani on Wednesday March 13. A meeting that ultimately did not take place.
Accompanied by a Pentagon official and the commander in chief of Africom – the American military command for Africa – Molly Phee extended her stay by a day, hoping that the meeting could materialize this Thursday 14 March, but in vain. However, American officials have been received at the Prime Minister’s office twice since Tuesday.
A partnership in the areas of security and development
According to the US State Department, the objective of the visit was to continue discussions with the new authorities, to discuss partnership in the areas of security and development. The United States, which suspended its cooperation with Niger after July 26, still has a thousand soldiers and a drone base in Agadez.
Since the coup d’état, Niger has also been approaching new partners, including Russia. Niamey has also decided to leave ECOWASlike Mali and Burkina Faso, its partners in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Read alsoNiger: Washington says it is ready to resume cooperation with Niamey, but under conditions