Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France of financially supporting Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State.
According to Tiani, the alleged plan aims to destabilize Niger and neighboring countries.
The information was shared by an expert in counterterrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, Zagazola Makama, through a post on his X handle on Wednesday.
Makama highlighted that Tiani made the claim during a recent address, accusing France of interference in the region and pursuing hidden agendas.
“France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries.
“We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilize Niger.
“The Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, was chosen as a base by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP.
“Unfortunately, it seems we have chosen our interlocutors badly, because it is their skills that have been exploited by France in an attempt to destabilize us on the Niger, Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso borders,” Makama quoted General Tiani as saying.
Makama noted that this statement adds to a series of accusations by Tiani’s junta against France. Relations between Niger and its former colonial ruler have sharply declined since the military coup in July 2023.
“Tiani’s administration has consistently accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta,” Makama remarked.
The security expert suggested that Tiani’s allegations appear speculative rather than evidence-based.
“These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France,” Makama analyzed, warning that such unfounded claims could harm diplomatic relations between Niger and Nigeria.
“General Tiani’s accusations not only undermine these important initiatives but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations that share a common goal of achieving stability and peace in the Sahel region,” he stressed.
