U.S. Embassy in Niger

**U.S.-Niger Relations** The United States established diplomatic relations with Niger in 1960, following its independence from France. U.S. relations with Niger since its independence have generally been close and friendly. In 2010, a military junta took power after overthrowing the former president, who had tried to extend his rule unconstitutionally. Niger has taken important steps to consolidate and advance democratic institutions. Ruling party candidate Bazoum Mohamed won a February 2021 presidential run-off, taking office in early April. The transition from former president Mahamadou Issoufou, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms, to Bazoum, was Niger’s first handover from one democratically elected president to the next. Security threats emanating from Libya, the Lake Chad Basin, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali have hampered the government’s efforts to improve Niger’s economy, strengthen governance, promote human rights, and protect fundamental freedoms. Niger is a critical actor in regional efforts to counter terrorism and promote stability as a key member of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G-5 Sahel and peacekeeping contributor to missions in Mali and Central African Republic.