Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is financially supporting Nigeria to establish a military base in Borno State with the aim of destabilizing Niger and neighbouring countries.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, the allegation was made during a recent address by General Tiani. Makama shared the information on his X handle on Wednesday.
Tiani accused France of meddling in the region and pursuing hidden agendas. He claimed that France has offered funds to Nigeria for a base in Borno State, stating, “We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilize Niger.”
He further alleged that the Gaba Forest, located at the Nigeria-Niger border near Sokoto, has been chosen as a base for terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP. He suggested that diplomatic intermediaries had been exploited by France to destabilize Niger and neighbouring countries, including Benin and Burkina Faso.
Makama noted that these accusations are the latest in a series of claims made by General Tiani against France. The allegations highlight the strained relationship between Niger and its former colonial power, which has deteriorated significantly since the July 2023 military coup.
“Tiani’s administration has repeatedly accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal affairs and backing factions opposed to the junta,” Makama stated.
The expert, however, suggested that these allegations appear to lack substantive evidence. “These claims seem to fit into a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its close relationship with France,” he added.
Makama warned that such accusations could harm diplomatic relations between Niger and Nigeria, two nations sharing a common goal of stability in the Sahel. He emphasized that General Tiani’s statements risk undermining regional peace efforts and escalating tensions unnecessarily.
