Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France of providing financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State, with the alleged aim of destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries.
Tiani’s claims were disclosed by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama via his X handle on Wednesday. According to Makama, Tiani made the accusations during a recent address, asserting that France, in collaboration with terrorist groups, is orchestrating efforts to undermine regional stability.
“France has even offered money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries,” Tiani allegedly stated. He also claimed that the Gaba Forest, situated on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, has been designated as a base for terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP.
Tiani further alleged that Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, were informed of a “massive conspiracy” to destabilize Niger but failed to act.
The accusations mark the latest in a series of allegations by the Nigerien junta against France since the July 2023 military coup. Tiani’s administration has repeatedly accused the former colonial power of meddling in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta.
However, security analyst Makama questioned the validity of the allegations, suggesting they are rooted more in speculation than evidence. “These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France,” Makama noted.
He warned that such accusations risk straining diplomatic relations between Niger and Nigeria, which share a common interest in achieving stability in the Sahel region. “Tiani’s claims not only undermine regional peace initiatives but also fuel unnecessary tensions between nations working towards a unified goal,” he added.
