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'
Cloned arctic wolf makes debut in NE China's Heilongjiang
EU set to fine Apple $540 mln for unfair play
Holiday to spur recovery in tourism
UN refugee agency tells Cyprus to stick to the law in its efforts at sea to thwart refugee boats
China sees expansion in 5G network coverage
Cold Harbin a hot tourism destination for holiday
China's homemade subsea oil drilling equipment put into use in Zhanjiang
Taylor Swift RELEASES The Tortured Poets Department! Grammy
Ozone layer's repair could slow climate change
California court to weigh in on fight over transgender ballot measure proposal language
Xi Pays Tribute to National Heroes on Martyrs' Day