Niger’s leader accuses France of funding Nigerian military base to destabilize region

The Head of State of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France of financially supporting Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State, allegedly aimed at destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries.

The claim was disclosed by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.

According to Makama, General Tiani made the allegations during a recent address, intensifying accusations against France of interference in the region and ulterior motives.

General Tiani alleged that France is conspiring with Nigerian authorities to use the Gaba Forest, located along the Sokoto-Niger border, as a base for terrorist operations.

He claimed these efforts involve France, ISWAP militants, and other factions with the aim of destabilizing borders between Niger, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso.

“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,” Tiani was quoted as saying.

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He also claimed that Niger had previously informed top Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, about the alleged conspiracy.

Zagazola Makama highlighted that the allegations mark a new escalation in the strained relations between Niger and France following the military coup in Niger in July 2023.

The coup saw Tiani’s junta oust the democratically elected government, a move widely condemned by France and the international community.

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“Tiani’s administration has consistently accused France of meddling in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta,” Makama noted.

The security expert also pointed out that these accusations appear speculative and could be part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria, a key regional power with strong ties to France.

Makama warned that such allegations could worsen diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger, both of which are pivotal to ensuring stability in the Sahel region.

“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 stated.

The claims add to a growing list of grievances Niger’s junta has leveled against France, which has repeatedly denied accusations of interference. The situation continues to reflect the fragile nature of diplomacy in a region grappling with insurgency, terrorism, and political instability.