Niger Accuses France of Destabilization Efforts

Head of Niger's ruling military council General Abdourahamane Tchiani has accused France of attempting to destabilize the country.

This accusation comes seven months after the expulsion of French troops involved in anti-terrorist operations in Niger.

Since the coup on July 26, 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and brought Tchiani to power, the general has consistently criticized Paris.

He has denounced military agreements with France, leading to the withdrawal of French forces from Niger.

In a two-hour interview with Niger's state television, marking the 64th anniversary of the country's independence, Tchiani stated, "This destabilization effort has expanded through the repositioning of all French intelligence operatives we expelled from our territory."

He added that these operatives have now "repositioned in Nigeria and Benin."

Tchiani claimed that a group of "civilian-dressed saboteur agents" and elements of the Beninese armed forces, also in civilian attire, are actively working to destabilize Niger.

The military council has regularly accused Cotonou of hosting "French bases," which has led to ongoing diplomatic tensions with Benin.

These tensions were exacerbated by Benin's support for strict sanctions imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the coup.

Although the sanctions were lifted in February, Niger has refused to reopen its borders and has halted the flow of crude oil through a pipeline to a Beninese port. Both Benin and France have consistently denied these accusations.

Tchiani emphasized that Niger would consider reopening its borders once convinced that there is no threat from Benin.

Amid strained relations with Benin, Niger has strengthened ties with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. The three countries are part of the "Alliance of Sahel States" and could soon benefit from Nigerien oil, according to Tchiani.

He highlighted plans for local oil refining to meet national needs and those of "the union's peoples," referring to the construction of a refinery and a petrochemical plant in Dosso, roughly 100 kilometers from Niamey.