General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Republic’s Head of State, has accused France of providing financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State, claiming the move aims to destabilize Niger and its neighboring countries.
The allegations were highlighted by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, who shared the development on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. According to Makama, the Niger junta leader made the claims during a recent address, accusing France of meddling in regional affairs with ulterior motives.
Tiani alleged that France has conspired with Nigerian officials, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, to destabilize the region. He further claimed that the Gaba Forest, located along the Nigeria-Niger border near Sokoto, has been chosen as a base for terrorists recruited by France and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The Niger leader criticized his government’s choice of interlocutors, alleging that their expertise has been exploited by France to disrupt stability across the Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso borders.
This accusation marks the latest in a series of allegations by Tiani against France, reflecting the strained relationship between Niger and its former colonial ruler since the military coup in July 2023. Tiani’s administration has repeatedly accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting factions opposing the junta.
Makama, however, argued that Tiani’s allegations lack substantial evidence and appear to be part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France. He warned that such unfounded accusations could undermine diplomatic relations and regional stability efforts.
These allegations not only threaten the collaborative efforts needed to stabilize the Sahel region but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations working toward shared peace and security goals, Makama said.
The situation underscores the complexity of geopolitics in the Sahel region, where competing narratives and accusations continue to challenge efforts for unity and stability.