‘LEAVE ALREADY!’ - NIGERIENS TO U.S. TROOPS

For 11 years, the US military has intervened in and occupied the Sahelian West African country of Niger. However, on March 16th, 2024, the Nigerien government, led by anti-imperialist military officer Abdouramane Tchiani, announced that it would be putting an immediate end to the military accord signed by a prior administration with Washington. Niamey declared US military operations in Niger illegal. It means the 1,100 US troops stationed in the country now have to scoot.

Across Niger, many have welcomed the decision - but many are also frustrated that, over a month on, nothing’s happened yet. After a major protest in the capital last week urging the Americans to get on with it and go, this weekend saw a similar rally in Agadez - the site of the Pentagon’s 201 drone base. People at the protest also shared their views on what any future military alliances must look like: “We are not slaves,” said one man.

Have a watch and please tell us if you share the sentiments expressed.