Niger’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, allegedly aimed at destabilizing Niger and its neighbouring countries.
The claim was shared by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, who revealed that Tiani made the allegation during a recent address, accusing France of interfering in the region with ulterior motives.
Tiani suggested that France had offered funds to Nigeria to create a base in Borno, claiming the move was part of a broader plan to destabilize the region.
Tiani also stated that the Nigerien government had informed Nigerian officials, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, about the conspiracy to destabilize Niger. The Gaba Forest, located along the border between Sokoto in Nigeria and Niger, was reportedly chosen as a site for terrorists recruited by France and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
This latest accusation is part of an ongoing pattern of tensions between Niger and France following the July 2023 military coup in Niger. Since then, the junta has repeatedly accused France of meddling in the country’s affairs and supporting factions opposed to the current government.
Makama expressed doubt over the validity of Tiani’s claims, suggesting that they appeared more speculative than factual. He noted that the accusations seemed to be part of a broader effort to isolate Nigeria due to its strong ties with France. Makama also warned that such unfounded allegations could harm diplomatic relations between Niger and Nigeria, potentially escalating tensions between the two nations that both seek stability in the Sahel 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.
“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.
“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 continued, “These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France.”
“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.
