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Singapore — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and eight of their House Republican colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the deteriorating situation in Niger. McCaul, Reschenthaler, and their colleagues urged the Biden administration to provide transparency to Congress, ensure no buildings or equipment are handed over to the Russians or Niger military, and requested a follow-up classified briefing to members of Congress regarding this crisis.

“In Niger, President Biden’s weakness has resulted in another chaotic withdrawal to the benefit of Russia, China, and violent extremists aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State,” the lawmakers wrote. “This will certainly be yet another failed chapter of the president’s leadership.”

Background:

  1. The Biden administration announced earlier this month that the Department of Defense will withdraw U.S. forces in Niger by September 15, 2024.
  2. The junta in Niger has restricted U.S. presence in the country, which has resulted in a lack of safety for Americans, troop resupplies, and diplomatic overflights.
  3. Earlier this month, Secretary Austin confirmed that the Russian military has gained access to Airbase 101 in Niger, where American forces are currently stationed.
  4. This follows the United States’ investment of millions of dollars in training for Niger’s military, including the construction of a $100 million military installation at Airbase 201 that was completed just last year.
  5. Undoubtedly, Russian forces and their paramilitary group will occupy this taxpayer-funded base once the United States fully withdraws from the country.

McCaul and Reschenthaler were joined on the letter by Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), and Austin Scott (R-GA).

The full text of the letter can be found here or below. 

Dear Secretaries Austin and Blinken,

We write regarding the deteriorating situation in Niger that is impacting thousands of American citizens, servicemembers, and diplomats. Following the Biden Administration’s announcement that the U.S. will retreat from Niger, we are concerned with the well-being of Americans abroad and the void that will be filled by our adversaries and violent extremist organizations.

Following the failed Afghanistan withdrawal, the Biden Administration evacuated 11 embassies and consulates across the globe. In recent weeks, the Federal Bureau of Investigations Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael Kurilla warned that the Islamic State – Khorasan Province will have the capability to attack the West within six months. We also continue to see our adversaries undermine our interests across Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia without consequence. This is a direct result of the president’s failed foreign policy agenda that emboldens our adversaries, empowers violent terrorist organizations, and undermines U.S. and allied interests abroad.

On March 16, 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “Niger is a really an extraordinary model at a time of great challenge – a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation.” More than a year later, the secretary’s statement could not be further from the truth in yet another foreign policy blunder for the Biden Administration.

According to reports, the junta in Niger has restricted U.S. presence in the country, which has resulted in a lack of safety for Americans, troop resupplies, and diplomatic overflights. Earlier this month, Secretary Austin confirmed that the Russian military has gained access to Airbase 101 in Niger, where American forces are currently stationed.

Recent reports have indicated that Russian forces and their paramilitary partners, equipment, and air defense systems have been installed near U.S. forces. This follows the United States’ investment of millions of dollars in training for Niger’s military and the construction of a $100 million military installation at Airbase 201 that was completed just last year. Undoubtedly, Russian forces and their paramilitary group will occupy this taxpayer-funded base once we fully withdraw from the country.

In Niger, President Biden’s weakness has resulted in another chaotic withdrawal to the benefit of Russia, China, and violent extremists aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This will certainly be yet another failed chapter of the president’s leadership.

We urge you to provide transparency to Congress, ensure no buildings, weapons, or equipment are handed over to the Russians or Niger military, and request a follow-up classified briefing by July 1st to members of Congress regarding this crisis.

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