African country warns US of jihadist and nuclear threat as Russia and Iran make gains.

The U.S. is engaged in negotiations with Niger to maintain its $110 million anti-terror drone base in the West African nation, with 1,000 military personnel and civilians involved.

Reports suggest that U.S. military influence is being replaced by Russia and there are allegations that Iran is attempting to purchase uranium from Nigerian mines.

Since the military coup in Niger last July, the Reaper drones stationed at Airport 201 have not been conducting missions against Islamic State and al Qaeda terrorists in the region.

There is concern among analysts that if the U.S. withdraws from Niger, it may allow jihadist forces to increase their presence in West Africa and ultimately enhance Russia's influence in the continent.

"Jasmine Opperman, an African-based security consultant specializing in extremism, told Planet Chronicle Digital that the closing of American and Western influence on the African continent, as seen in Niger, is just one example of this trend. Opperman explained that this can be observed in Central and Southern Africa, and with that, Russia will seize every opportunity to increase its influence."

The Biden administration has been informed by several sources, including Marine Corps General Michael E. Langley, commander of the U.S. Africa Command, that Russia's destabilizing activity in Africa is to trade security assistance for access to African natural resources. Langley warned the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 7 that Putin does this by spreading disinformation and propaganda to sow unrest, prop up sympathetic regimes, and undermine support for Western engagement on the continent.

We must maintain a strong presence in Africa to counter the threat posed by al Qaeda and ISIS, which have gained control due to political instability and weak security institutions. Langley emphasized the importance of maintaining a sufficient force posture and resourcing in the region to protect our national interests.

The administration believes it must cooperate with a non-democratic government in Niger to prevent jihadists, Russia, and Iran from posing a threat, according to Cameron Hudson, director of African Affairs at the National Security Council in the George W. Bush administration. Hudson stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the real blow is to the U.S. standing in the region, as this move sends a clear message that countries have options and no longer have to tolerate U.S. lectures or lobbying.

Washington has demonstrated a willingness to compromise its democratic values in order to maintain its relevance and presence in Niger and neighboring states. However, it is evident that this was not sufficient.

The Department of Defense announced that Niger has ended the status of forces agreement with the United States, according to Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Abdramane complained on local television about the U.S.'s "condescending attitude" and said that a U.S. delegation that met junta officials in Niger this past week had the intention to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.

Nigerian columnist Abdoulaye Sissoko, writing for the ActuNiger website, stated that there is no evidence that American bases in Niger have been beneficial to the country. One reader on the site expressed gratitude for the departure of these "white beaks," while another suggested that they should leave and return home.

Last week's meeting with the Nigerian military junta was challenging, as the administration's representatives were unable to meet with the country's main decision-maker.

On Monday, Sabrina Singh, the Department of Defense's Deputy press secretary, announced that the U.S. delegation met with a Nigerien delegation led by the Prime Minister and several Cabinet ministers, along with technical experts and advisors.

U.S. officials conveyed their concerns about Niger's potential relationships with Russia and Iran to Pentagon officials, who acknowledged the troubling path that Niger is on.

Analysts claim that the use of "diplomatic speak" to describe a heated and charged conversation is a euphemism, while one cynic contends that it implies "they were shouting at each other."

On Monday, Vedant Patel, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, acknowledged that the meeting was 'frank.'

The U.S. is now attempting to maintain its military presence in the country. Patel stated, "We remain in communication with our embassy. Our ambassador and embassy staff are still present, and we are continuing to have discussions with them."

Reports suggest that negotiations between Niger and Russia are taking place to allow their troops and/or mercenaries to enter the country. One source claims that an agreement has already been reached.

Another potential threat to peace in the Middle East is that Iran is reportedly negotiating to obtain uranium from Niger's mines, which analysts believe could aid in the development of Tehran's nuclear weapons program.

This January, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine was invited to Tehran by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who expressed his belief that Niger has a bright future. Zeine led negotiations with the administration's team this week.

Russia and Iran's activities in Niger are shrouded in secrecy, with their involvement in the country's security and business partnerships often intertwined. Russia has provided security assistance to counter terrorist forces and maintain regime stability, which has led to significant investments in the mining sector.

"According to Hudson, it is unclear if any deal has been made with Iran, but we know that Niger is looking to diversify its mining partnerships beyond France and the West, and Iran sees new opportunities to break its international isolation by forming ties with African countries."

According to Hudson, Russia's interests in the region are multiple and mutually reinforcing. In Africa, Russia is breaking its international isolation, cultivating diplomatic partners to support them at the United Nations, creating new sources of revenue in challenging environments, all while displacing and undermining Western investments, interests, and values.

The Biden administration's challenge is that it wants to have its cake and eat it too. It publicly tells African countries that they are free to choose their partners, but privately lobbies them to reconsider their choices. This hypocrisy has left us out in the cold in Niger.

Opperman, a security analyst, expressed concern to Planet Chronicle Digital that Africa may turn to Russia, Iran, and China for support. If the US and the West do not find a more acceptable way to influence the continent, she believes the situation in Niger is just the beginning of a closing curtain.