Due to the suspension of military cooperation between the Niger republic and the United states, Washington has officially handed over a batch 12 armoured vehicles to the armed forces of Cote d’ivoire as part of a broader military support package originally intended for Niger.
The vehicles were handed over in a brief ceremony held on April 10, 2025, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening security ties with democratic and stable partners in the West African region.
According to security sources, the total of 36 armoured vehicles were diverted to Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Ghana following the suspension of military cooperation between the United States and Niger in the aftermath of the July 2023 coup d’état.
The redirected military support is seen as a direct consequence of Niger’s diplomatic and strategic isolation under the ruling junta.
Analysts say the populist stance of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and its strained relations with international partners have contributed to the country’s growing security challenges.
In the nearly 20 months since the military takeover, armed terrorist groups have expanded their control, with some now administering entire territories within Niger.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to reaffirm its support to countries demonstrating democratic governance and regional stability, with Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Ghana emerging as key security partners in the Gulf of Guinea and Sahel regions.