Niger’s military junta has leveled fresh accusations against France, claiming the former colonial power is actively working to destabilize the country.
In a televised address on Saturday, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the junta, alleged that France is using neighboring countries as proxies to undermine Niger’s sovereignty.
Since seizing power in a coup last July, the military government has taken a confrontational stance towards France, culminating in the expulsion of French troops who were deployed to combat jihadist insurgents in the region. Tiani asserted that French intelligence agents have been repositioned in neighboring Nigeria and Benin with the intent to foment unrest.
The junta has been embroiled in a diplomatic standoff with Benin over allegations of harboring French military bases, claims that both Benin and France have vehemently denied. These tensions have led to the closure of the Niger-Benin border and the suspension of oil exports through Benin.
Despite these challenges, Niger is forging closer ties with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which are also under military rule. The three countries are exploring ways to cooperate on economic matters, including the potential for Niger to supply oil to its allies.
Tiani emphasized Niger’s commitment to reopening the border with Benin once security concerns are addressed, signaling a potential path towards de-escalation. However, the ongoing accusations against France and the deepening alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali suggest that regional tensions are likely to persist.