Presents ”The ONWARD“ with Assumpta.
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Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman
The suspension follows an earlier move that has seen thousands of French soldiers exit the West African nation.
The Niger junta spokesman said the US tone was condescending and threatened Niger’s sovereignty [File: Souleymane Ag Anara/Reuters; Published On 17 Mar 202417 Mar 2024.
U.S. Officials Travel to Niger:
MEDIA NOTE; OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON; AL-JAZEERA
News Politics: Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman.
( 1) The suspension follows an earlier move that has seen thousands of French soldiers exit the West African nation.
( 2 ) Niger Termination of U.S. Military Ties Followed Accusation of Iran Uranium Deal
MARCH 12, 2024;
Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”, according to the ruling military spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane, in a blow to US security interests in the region. The pact allowed US military personnel and civilian defence staff to operate from Niger, which plays a central role in the US military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and is home to a major airbase.
The decision, announced on Saturday, came after senior US officials – led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and US Africa Command head General Michael Langley – visited the West African country earlier this week to discuss
Speaking on local television, Abdramane said the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol, and that Niger was not informed about the composition of the delegation, the date of its arrival or the agenda.*
“Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” Abdramane said.
The US military had some 650 personnel working in Niger in December, according to a White House report to Congress. The US military operates a major airbase in the Niger city of Agadez, some 920km (572 miles) from the capital of Niamey, using it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations.
A drone base known as Air Base 201 near Agadez was built at a cost of more than $100m. Since 2018 the base has been used to target ISIL (ISIS) fighters and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, in the Sahel region.
‘A huge blow to the US’
Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera correspondent Shihab Rattansi said the move is “a huge blow to the US.
THE RULER WE ACCOMMODATED AND WE CANNOT STAND! ; Was a monster who maintained his political as well as his economic supremacy.
“The ruler we accommodated and we cannot stand was a monster who maintained his political as well as his economic supremacy. As the saying goes, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ The world has noticed that other countries, particularly America, take a much deeper perspective on trade and business than any other country. So they have the tradition of viewing countries as their trading or business partners. We find this evidence in America’s lack of noble purpose. We get along because we trade with you, and not out of friendship.”
The passage describes a ruler who, despite being accommodated, is despised due to his oppressive maintenance of both political and economic power. The phrase “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is used to highlight the importance of genuine friendship. However, it is noted that countries like America prioritise trade and business relationships over such genuine connections, viewing other nations primarily as trading partners rather than friends. This approach is criticised for lacking noble intentions, with relationships being based on economic interests rather than mutual respect or shared values. Thus, the passage suggests a sense of disillusionment with the way international relations are often driven by economic considerations rather than genuine camaraderie or noble purposes.
“Touching upon America’s political and economic supremacy, it clearly describes America’s increasingly threatening nature for disrespect of other countries’ sovereignty.” Speaking on local television, Abdramane mentioned that the US delegation did not adhere to diplomatic protocol, with Niger being left uninformed about the delegation’s composition, arrival date, or agenda. “Niger regrets the American delegation’s intention to deprive the sovereign Nigerien people of the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships that could genuinely assist in combating terrorism,” Abdramane stated.
TSASI: Assumpta, have you noticed how the ugliness of US supremacy seems to cast a shadow over our world?
ASSUMPTA: Yes, it’s disheartening to see how the U.S prioritises its own interests at the expense of others.
TSASI: Exactly! It’s as if they believe their supremacy gives them the right to suppress other nations and dictate their agendas.
ASSUMPTA: It’s not just about protecting their interests anymore; it’s about exerting control and dominance over others.
TSASI: And the worst part is, they often do it under the guise of promoting democracy or fighting terrorism, but in reality, it’s just a facade to advance their own agenda.
ASSUMPTA: It’s a blatant abuse of power and a violation of the sovereignty of other nations.
TSASI: Absolutely. We need to challenge this hegemonic behaviour and advocate for a world where every nation is treated with respect and equality.
ASSUMPTA: Agreed. It’s time for us to stand up against the ugliness of US supremacy and strive for a more just and equitable global order.
TSASI: It’s true that many countries have begun to see through the facade of America’s greatness and are no longer blindly praising it as a beacon of freedom and progress.
ASSUMPTA: Indeed, while they have undoubtedly achieved significant milestones, we cannot ignore the darker side of their influence, where their supremacy ideology has been imposed on nations around the world.
TSASI: Absolutely, their emphasis on profit, security, and dominance has often come at the expense of genuine efforts for peace and cooperation among nations.
ASSUMPTA: Instead of fostering unity and understanding, their actions have perpetuated division and conflict, all in the pursuit of maintaining their own power and interests.
TSASI: It’s time for societies to see beyond the allure of America’s supposed superiority and recognize the harm caused by their unchecked influence on the global stage.
ASSUMPTA: We must strive for a world where nations come together based on mutual respect, equality, and genuine efforts towards peace, rather than succumbing to the allure of America’s superficial charm and dominance.
THE RULER WE ACCOMMODATED AND WE CANNOT STAND! ;
Was a monster who maintained his political as well as his economic supremacy.
The dialogue about the ugliness of US supremacy and its negative impact on global affairs resonates deeply with the notion of accommodating a ruler who is both politically and economically dominant. Just as the US asserts its supremacy and imposes its will on other nations, the ruler in question maintains control through manipulation and coercion.
The parallels between the two situations are striking: both involve a powerful entity asserting its dominance to the detriment of others. Just as the dialogue condemns the actions of the US in disregarding the sovereignty of other nations, the ruler in question is seen as a monster for maintaining his supremacy at the expense of his people’s well-being.
Assumpta: Tsasi, have you ever stopped to consider the taxes we pay to the ruler with all long ears and cannot listen?
Tsasi: Yes, Assumpta, it’s quite frustrating, isn’t it? We work hard, yet a significant portion of our earnings goes straight into the ruler’s coffers through various taxes.
Assumpta: Exactly! It feels like we’re constantly being squeezed for more money, doesn’t it? Income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT, corporation tax, council tax the list goes on and on.
Tsasi: And it’s not just income-related taxes either. Everything we buy is taxed, and even when our parents pass away, we’re hit with inheritance tax. It’s like there’s no escape from the never-ending cycle of taxation.
Assumpta: It’s infuriating, especially when we see how our hard-earned money is being used. Instead of investing in our country’s infrastructure or helping citizens afford housing, the ruler diverts funds to fuel conflicts in distant lands like Palestine.
Tsasi: It’s truly disheartening. While our own citizens struggle with homelessness and poverty, the ruler prioritises funding wars that only bring suffering and despair to both our people and those abroad.
Assumpta: Exactly! It’s as if the ruler with all long ears is deaf to the cries of his own citizens, blinded by his own misguided priorities.
Tsasi: It’s time for change, Assumpta. We need a ruler who listens to the needs of his people and works towards their well-being, rather than squandering our resources on senseless conflicts.
Assumpta: Agreed, Tsasi. Let’s work together to raise awareness and demand accountability from our rulers. Our voices may be small, but together, we can make a difference in shaping a brighter future for our country.
“Even a wise man cannot see all ends.” – Nichiren Daishonin.
TSASI: These words remind us that even the most powerful rulers and nations are not omnipotent, and their actions can have unforeseen consequences.
ASSUMPTA: Indeed, it’s a sobering reminder that no matter how much control or supremacy one may wield, there are limits to their foresight and understanding.
TSASI: Let us draw strength from this wisdom as we navigate the complexities of our world and strive for a future where justice, equality, and genuine peace prevail.
ASSUMPTA: Agreed. May we continue to challenge oppressive systems and work towards a more compassionate and harmonious world for all. In both cases, there is a call to challenge and resist such oppressive systems, whether it be US supremacy on the global stage or the tyranny of a ruler domestically. The dialogue underscores the need to stand up against injustices and strive for a world where power is not abused for the sake of maintaining supremacy. Thank you TSASI for joining today’s dialogue.
