In a stunning and provocative declaration, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the Head of State of Niger Republic, has once again accused France of orchestrating covert operations aimed at destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries. Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama highlighted this development in a post on his official X handle, bringing global attention to the unfolding geopolitical tensions in West Africa.
According to General Tiani, France has allegedly offered financial assistance to the Nigerian government to establish a military base in Borno State, a move he claims is part of a broader scheme to disrupt stability in Niger and other nations within the region. “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,” Tiani alleged during a recent address. However, the general did not provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims, raising questions about the veracity of his accusations.
Tiani went on to detail what he described as a “massive conspiracy” involving high-ranking Nigerian officials. He specifically mentioned Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Ahmed Abubakar Rufai, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, claiming they had been informed of France’s alleged covert activities.
In a further revelation, Tiani accused France and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) of recruiting terrorists to operate from Gaba Forest, a strategic location bordering Sokoto in Nigeria and Niger. “The Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto and Niger, was chosen as a base by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP,” he stated.
He expressed dismay at what he described as betrayal by trusted interlocutors, alleging that their expertise was exploited by France to orchestrate instability across borders shared by Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. “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,” Tiani lamented.
These allegations come at a time of heightened tensions between Niger and Western powers, particularly following the recent coup that ousted the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum. France, a former colonial power in the region, has been accused by the current military regime of interfering in Niger’s sovereignty, a claim Paris has vehemently denied.
Observers have noted that Tiani’s claims, though incendiary, lack tangible evidence and could be part of a broader narrative to galvanize domestic and regional support for his regime. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government and French authorities have yet to issue official responses to the allegations.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these accusations will impact diplomatic relations between the countries involved and the broader West African region already grappling with security and governance challenges.
PIONEER NEWS 