Niger kicks the United States out and invites its enemies in.
Niger is kicking out the United States. The African nation — a critical node in US counterterrorism efforts in Africa — has told Foggy Bottom and the US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) it is pulling out of its status of forces agreement. Ruling military junta officials have ordered the remaining 1,000 American military personnel to leave the country. In Niger, it’s not just that the United States is losing a foothold; it’s about which nations are gaining one.
Nearly a year ago, when it seemed African countries were experiencing a coup a week, the White House did not seem particularly concerned. Gabon, Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali all fell to insurrection, military mutinies, or revolts. There were the usual attempts at diplomatic reconciliation with…
