A U.S. airman stationed in Niger has accused senior U.S. officials of intentionally suppressing information regarding the frayed relationship between Washington and the military junta that overthrew Niger’s democratically elected government last year.
The airman outlined his concerns with U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and senior defense attache Col. Nora Nelson-Richter in a private whistleblower complaint to Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and other lawmakers.
“I have noticed that the Embassy, and more specifically the [attache], intentionally suppressed intelligence information from the ground force collection elements to maintain the facade of a great country-to-country relationship,” the complaint reads.
The whistleblower claimed the embassy’s actions have “potential implications” for U.S. relations with other African nations “and the safety of our personnel in the region.”
“U.S. Africa Command senior leaders are working closely with the State Department and others to ensure U.S. forces
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