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.
Ashanti and Nelly's relationship timeline: A look at the couple's on
Scientific herding improves yield, environment
Photographer gives Greeks online tour of China
30 days to go, anticipation for impending Hangzhou Asian Games runs high across Asia
Google is combining its Android software and Pixel hardware divisions to more broadly integrate AI
New Godzilla x Kong film continues to lead China box office
Highlights of beach volleyball match at 19th Asian Games
Futuristic scene of robots taking over backbreaking farm jobs on horizon
Taylor Swift leaves QR codes with secret meanings in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of the much
Volleyball ignites latest rural sports passion on China's tropical island
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week
34th Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival held in Arizona