Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is financially supporting Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State with the intent of destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries.
The claim was made public by Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, via a post on his X handle on Wednesday. According to Makama, Tiani leveled these allegations during a recent address, accusing France of interference in the region and 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,” Tiani reportedly stated.
The Nigerien leader further alleged that terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP have been positioned in the Gaba Forest, a border region between Sokoto, Nigeria, and Niger, to execute this plan. Tiani expressed disappointment with Nigerian officials, claiming their skills and cooperation have been exploited by France to destabilize areas along the borders of Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
Makama noted that this is the latest in a series of accusations by Tiani against France, reflecting the deteriorating relationship between Niger and its former colonial power since the military coup in July 2023. Tiani’s administration has repeatedly accused France of meddling in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting opposition factions against the ruling junta.
However, Makama suggested that Tiani’s allegations lack substantive evidence and may be part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its close ties with France. He cautioned that these claims risk straining diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger at a time when regional collaboration is critical for peace and stability in the Sahel.
“General Tiani’s accusations not only undermine important initiatives but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations that share a common goal of achieving stability and peace in the Sahel region,” Makama concluded.
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