The ripple effects of the coup in Niger
Niger has been a key U.S. ally in West Africa in the fight against growing threats from Islamist extremist groups. But a military coup last July soured that relationship. Now, the U.S. says it will withdraw from the country by mid-September.
\ufeffFor more than a decade, the U.S. military presence in Niger has enabled U.S. intelligence gathering, monitoring and support to Niger, as it works to contain extremist groups.
After last year\u2019s coup, many Nigeriens support their country\u2019s new leadership, hoping they can better fight violence from these groups. But discussions between the United States and Niger\u2019s military junta have broken down.
Today on \u201cPost Reports,\u201d West Africa bureau chief Rachel Chason shares what she learned in an exclusive interview with Niger\u2019s prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and what this could all mean for Nigerien and American national security interests.
Read more:
U.S. lays out plans for withdrawing troops from Niger
U.S. threats led to rupture of vital military ties, Nigerien leader says
Why the Islamic State is surging in Africa
Today\u2019s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Ted Muldoon and Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter.
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