In a significant move, Niger has announced the suspension of a military agreement with the United States, which provided American troops with a key base and launchpad in Africa's Sahel region. The decision comes amidst a growing row concerning Niger's relationships with Russia and Iran, following a visit by US officials last week.

The "status of forces" agreement, signed in 2012, allowed approximately 1,000 US military personnel and civilian defence staff to operate from Niger. This agreement played a central role in the US military's operations in the Sahel. With the suspension of this pact, Niger's military spokesperson, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, referenced pressure from the US on Niger's choice of military partners.

The US military operates Airbase 101 in Niger's capital, Niamey, as well as a major airbase, Airbase 201, near Agadez, southwest of Niamey. Airbase 201, which was built between 2016 and 2019 at a cost of over $100 million, has been crucial for launching drone operations against armed groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda in the Sahel since 2018.

Niger's decision to suspend the agreement followed concerns expressed by US officials regarding the country's potential relationships with Russia and Iran. US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and the head of US Africa Command, General Michael Langley, led the delegation that visited Niger last week. However, according to Niger military spokesperson Colonel Abdramane, the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol by failing to inform Niger about their visit's composition, date of arrival, and agenda.

The strained relations between Niger and the United States may have been exacerbated by what has been described as a "condescending attitude" exhibited by the US officials during their visit. The US appears frustrated by Niger's growing military partnerships, especially with Russia. Alexi Akwagyiram, managing director of Semafor Africa, emphasized that Niger's choice of military partners, particularly Russia, is at the crux of the dispute.

Niger's viewpoint on the matter appears to be influenced by the perceived failure of the US presence in the country to effectively combat armed groups. Kabir Adamu, a security and intelligence specialist focused on West Africa and the Sahel region, noted that despite partnerships, the Sahel region remains a hotbed of terrorism.

Niger has been under military rule since a coup in July, when President Mohamed Bazoum was detained and the ruling military body, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), assumed control. Following the coup, Niger joined neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in ejecting European forces. Additionally, Niger has sought closer ties with Russia, as evidenced by a Russian delegation's visit in December and a visit to Iran by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine in January.

The suspension of the military agreement with the US could leave Niger vulnerable, similar to the situation in Mali and Burkina Faso. The West African countries may struggle to match the military force in terms of numbers and capability. Analysts anticipate that the security situation in Niger will deteriorate if the country loses US forces entirely.

The US base in Niger is one of the largest drone facilities on the African continent. US spokesperson Sabrina Singh confirmed that US troops and drones at the base have not been used for counterterrorism operations since the July coup. If the US completely withdraws its forces, it could lose access to the facility, consequently reducing the West's military presence in the face of Russia's growing influence in the region.

The recent development of Niger suspending the military agreement with the US poses a challenge for President Joe Biden in an election year, as concerns over ties to Russia and Iran deepen diplomatic rifts and alter the security landscape in the Sahel region.