In a surprising turn of events, Niger's junta has announced the end of its military collaboration with the United States, leaving the U.S. scrambling to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region. The decision comes following a visit by top U.S. officials to Niger.

The U.S. military has a significant presence in Niger, with hundreds of troops stationed at a major airbase in the northern part of the country. From this base, the U.S. conducts flights over the vast Sahel region, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State operate.

During the recent visit, top U.S. envoy Molly Phee and Marine Gen. Michael Langley, head of the U.S. military's African Command, met with senior government officials in Niamey, Niger's capital. The talks were described as frank, and the U.S. State Department confirmed that it was in touch with the junta. However, it remains unclear whether there is any room left for negotiation to maintain a presence in Niger.

Niger had been viewed as a crucial partner in the fight against growing jihadist insurgencies in the region. The U.S. and France, along with other European countries, had invested significant resources, including military personnel and funding, to combat the threat. As of December, the U.S. still had around 650 personnel in Niger, operating the airbase and providing support to ground troops.

The decision by the junta to suspend military ties with the U.S. has raised several questions. The junta's spokesperson, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, claimed that U.S. flights over Niger's territory in recent weeks were illegal, but did not provide further details. Local activist Insa Garba Saidou, who assists the military rulers, criticized U.S. efforts to pressure the junta to distance itself from Russia, suggesting that American bases and personnel must leave Nigerien soil.

The incident highlights the diminishing leverage of the United States in the region and reflects Niger's dissatisfaction with Washington's attempt to influence its partnerships. Expert Cameron Hudson noted the irony of the Biden administration advocating for Africans to choose their own partners while pressuring Niger to avoid closer ties with Russia.

The U.S. delegation's visit took place during the start of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims characterized by fasting and intense prayer. However, Niger's junta leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, refused to meet with the U.S. officials, and a planned press conference was canceled. The junta spokesperson described the tone of the U.S. delegation as condescending.

Aneliese Bernard, a former U.S. State Department official and director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, emphasized the need for the U.S. to critically evaluate its diplomatic approach in Niger and the broader Sahel region. She highlighted the interconnectedness of international relationships and how deteriorating ties in other parts of the world can impact bilateral relations in West Africa.

The future of U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel remains uncertain as the U.S. seeks to navigate these diplomatic challenges and find new avenues for cooperation in the region.