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 NBA playoffs are finally here. And as LeBron James says, 'it's a sprint now'
Joan Deslandes: From learning Chinese to becoming global citizens
China's Jiangsu Acrobatic Troupe performs in Stuttgart of Germany
Kite capital advances modernization while preserving heritage
Mariah Carey turns heads in a dramatic gold floor
China's Miao embroidery shows at Milan Fashion Week
Chinese embassy in U.S. hosts Discover Beijing Opera cultural event
Zambia to sensitize locals to China
BP defeated thousands of suits by sick Gulf spill cleanup workers. But not one by a boat captain
California court to weigh in on fight over transgender ballot measure proposal language
Over 2,000 participate in New Year hiking event in central China