Whistleblower claims US leaders hid Niger relationship decline

A U.S. airman stationed in Niger has accused senior U.S. officials of intentionally suppressing information regarding the frayed relationship between Washington and the military junta that overthrew Niger’s democratically elected government last year.

The airman outlined his concerns with U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and senior defense attache Col. Nora Nelson-Richter in a private whistleblower complaint to Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and other lawmakers.

“I have noticed that the Embassy, and more specifically the [attache], intentionally suppressed intelligence information from the ground force collection elements to maintain the facade of a great country-to-country relationship,” the complaint reads.

The whistleblower claimed the embassy’s actions have “potential implications” for U.S. relations with other African nations “and the safety of our personnel in the region.”

“U.S. Africa Command senior leaders are working closely with the State Department and others to ensure U.S. forces deployed to Niger continue to have the support and services they need,” Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.

The military junta came into power last summer after ousting the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum. The United States has hoped to maintain its military partnership with the country, but last month, the junta called to sever its ties with the U.S.

“The U.S. government continues to work to obtain clarification through diplomatic channels on the CNSP’s announcement last month regarding the Status of Forces Agreement between Niger and the United States,” Langley continued.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, and Langley traveled to Niger.

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Junta spokesman Amadou Abdramane accused the American delegation of condescension following the meeting.

“Some diplomatic clearances for military flights have recently been denied or not responded to, which has forced extended deployments in some cases,” Langley added. “While the DoD paused training, engagement activities, and counterterrorism operations with Nigerien armed forces following the coup in July, we greatly value and appreciate the U.S. forces deployed to the region, who continue to enable the DoD to monitor for potential threats throughout the Sahel in order to protect U.S. personnel, assets, and interests, including the welfare of our partners.”