The Nigerien coup plotters canceled the military agreement that former President Mohamed Issoufou signed with Washington in 2012. The agreement allowed Washington to build a military base for drones in Agadez in the north, known as Base 201.
The new alliance, and Russian support, will give coup leaders in these countries, not just Niger, the ability to confront armed groups at home, writes Frida Ghitis. Ghitis: The decision was not random or “reactive,” but rather was planned, waiting for “just the right moment to announce it”