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Nigerien Armed Forces, U.S. Air Force discuss security in region

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Lee, middle, 409th Expeditionary Group commander, and Nigerien Armed Forces Col. Abdoulaye Ango, right, Nigerien AF Command Zone Two Commander, conduct a roundtable discussion at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, on July 12, 2022. The discussion included shared security interests within the Agadez community.

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Nigerien Armed Forces, U.S. Air Force discuss security in region

Members of the 409th Air Expeditionary Group and Nigerien host nation Partners pose for a photo at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, on July 12, 2022. Members of the U.S. Air Force and Nigerien Armed Forces held a roundtable discussion on security topics, and thoughts and ideas for secure, reliable and flexible airpower in North-West Africa.

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U.S. Air Force 409th Expeditionary Group commander, Col. Kevin Lee, and Nigerien Armed Forces Command Zone Two Commander, Col. Abdoulaye Ango, held a roundtable discussion July 12, 2022.

The discussion followed the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron change of command ceremony and included topics such as the strong relationship between the U.S. military forces and Nigerien Armed Forces, as well as the shared security interests within the Agadez community.

“There has been good connection with the American forces and a lot of action to help the local community in Agadez,” said Agadez Governor Magagi Maman Dada. “We hope that the support will continue since there is a lot of insurgency and insecurity in the region and there is a strong need to combat that.”

Ango presented the base’s previous commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christpher Jacobson, an award and certificate of appreciation for his work with the Nigerien Armed Forces for being a good partner and thanked Lee and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John M. Barrett, 724th EABS commander, for their relationship.

Partnerships in West Africa remain key to countering the escalating violent extremism in the tri-border region of Niger. The Airmen, Guardians and Soldiers located at Nigerien AB 201 are determined to work with the Nigerien Armed Forces toward the mutual goal of peace and stability within the region.