Gen Tiani made the claim during a recent address, where he also accused France of meddling in the region
By Kehinde Okeowo
Niger Republic Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is planning to destabilize his country and other West African neighbours through provision of financial support to Nigerian authorities and establishment of a military base in Borno State.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a post shared on X by Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
According to him, Gen Tiani made the claim during a recent address, where he accused France of meddling in the region and harboring ulterior motives.
“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 a statement purportedly made by General Tiani.
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The security expert further stated that the assertion marks the latest in a series of accusations directed at France by the Niger junta’s leader.
He said the development reflects the deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power following 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 said.
He, however, added that General Tiani’s allegations seem to be grounded more in speculation than substantiated fact.
He said, “These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France.”
Makama argued that such continued, unfounded accusations against Nigeria pose a significant threat to diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“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 added.
