Niger–United States relations

Niger–United States relations are bilateral relations between Niger and the United States. Niger and the United States have a strong and longstanding partnership based on shared democratic values and a commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in West Africa. The two countries cooperate on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, trade and investment, and health and education. On August 4, 2023, Abdourahamane Tchiani's military junta severed diplomatic ties with the US after a successful coup d'état deposing Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum.[1]

Niger – United States relations
Map indicating locations of Niger and USA

Niger
United States

The United States is one of Niger's top development partners, providing assistance through various programs to support economic growth, food security, and health care. The United States also works closely with Niger's military and security forces to improve their capacity to counter violent extremist organizations and to protect the country's borders.

In addition to cooperation on security and development issues, the United States and Niger also have a strong trade and investment relationship. The United States is Niger's largest trading partner, and there are many American companies operating in Niger, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.

According to the 2018 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 53% of Nigeriens approve of U.S. leadership, with 21% disapproving and 26% uncertain.[2]

History

U.S. relations with Niger have generally been close and friendly since Niger attained independence. Although USAID does not have a Mission in Niger, $30 million in annual official aid is administered through American and local non-governmental organizations with programs addressing food security, health, local governance, youth training, girls' education, corruption control, and improving the business environment. The U.S. Peace Corps program in Niger started in 1962. It currently has about 130 volunteers in Niger and celebrated its 50th anniversary in Niger in September 2012.

In January 2013, the U.S. and Niger signed an agreement allowing the U.S. to operate unarmed drones from Nigerien territory.[3] In February 2013, the U.S. deployed 100 troops to assist in intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing to support French operations in neighboring Mali.[4][5]

Military relations

The United States operates several military bases in Niger, including in Arlit and Agadez.[6][7]

The Central Intelligence Agency operates a drone base near Dirkou.[8]

Niger is an important partner for the United States in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.[9] The United States has provided training and equipment to Niger's military and security forces to help them counter terrorism and transnational crime.

Economic relations

Niger holds the 160th position among United States trading partners. The total value traded between the United States and Niger in 2019 amounted to $139 million. Exports from the United States to Niger accounted for $93 million; imports of goods from Niger to the United States were valued at $47 million.[10]

Resident diplomatic missions
  • Embassy of Niger in Washington, D.C.
    Embassy of Niger in Washington, D.C.
  • Embassy of the United States in Niamey
    Embassy of the United States in Niamey

See also

References
  1. "Niger severs diplomatic ties with Nigeria, France, US, Togo". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  2. U.S. Global Leadership Project Report - 2018 Gallup
  3. Crawford, Jamie; Lawrence, Chris (29 January 2013). "U.S. to base surveillance drones in Niger, ambassador says". CNN. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  4. "Mali conflict: US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger". BBC News. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  5. Julie Pace; Robert Burns (Feb 23, 2013). "American troops in Niger to set up drone base". Air Force Times. Retrieved Feb 25, 2013.
  6. Taub, Ben (January 28, 2018). "Ben Taub on Twitter: "Secret military base near Arlit, Niger, revealed as a white dot in a sea of black, because Western soldiers didn't turn off their Fitbits". Twitter via the Internet Archive. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. Müller-Jung, Friederike (November 23, 2016). "US drone war expands to Niger". Deutsche Welle. Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou gave approval for the Agadez base in 2014 for surveillance purposes. An additional US base in Arlit, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Agadez, has been operating for about a year, but little is known about it, Moore said, except that special forces are presumably stationed there.
  8. The New York Times (September 10, 2018). "How a C.I.A. Drone Base Grew in Niger's Desert". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  9. "Partners - The Global Coalition Against Daesh". 2018-12-22. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
  10. "Niger", The Office of the United States Trade Representative, retrieved 17 August 2023
  11. Embassy of Niger to the United States of America, 2021, retrieved 17 August 2023
  12. "United States Embassy in Niger", United States Department of State, retrieved 17 August 2023

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.

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