Wouldn’t it be easier to train Nigerian forces in Nigeria, rather than training Nigerian forces in Niger? Does Niger allow Nigerian forces in Niger?
As a ‘stabilizing’ force (hard to believe the word)...a group of 5,000 (differs on who tells the story) of Nigeria military folks were in Niger. And it would appear that US trainers were among the 5,000 to help ‘train’ them.
The original leadership of Niger went along with the foreign troops in country, and the US military trainers. After that leadership was exiled, it would appear that anything foreign in Niger....is taken as a bad thing.
If you go back to May, it was rumored that 1,000 US troops were in Niger. France had a similar number.
I would imagine that at least once in 2022...a Senate committee was informed of training personnel there, and no one really detailed reasons for it then. Now? I don’t think the Pentagon wants to discuss the matter.