Recently, the geopolitical landscape of West Africa has been profoundly impacted by the allegations made by General Abdulrahmane Tchiane, the military ruler of Niger, asserting that France is sponsoring terrorism within the region, particularly using Nigeria as a base of operations. This claim has stirred significant debate and controversy, with implications for regional security, international relations, and the context of France’s involvement in Africa.
Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, penultimate Wednesday, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilize Niger
Earlier, the Nigerien authorities had alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
Tchiani further alleged that France promised to give Tinubu a certain amount of money in exchange for him ceding an area in Borno State for French military deployment.
He said: “President Tinubu should come out and tell Nigerians how much he collected from France. If he refuses to do so, there will be a day of reckoning. Allah is watching…”
Tchiani also alleged that French military personnel were present on an island known as Kurnawa and in places like Tangarwa and Dogon Chuku.
“We repatriated two French officials who had relocated to Nigeria. They were warmly accepted by Nigeria. They provide training to terrorists,” he alleged in the widely circulated videos.
He also alleged that France designated an area as ‘Canada’, recruited many Nigerians and enlisted them with the tacit knowledge of Nigerian authorities.
Tchiani accused France of arming Boko Haram fighters in the Lake Chad region with anti-aircraft weapons to combat Chadian forces.
He alleged that when France realised that Chadian forces were using airstrikes against Boko Haram, they armed the sect members with ground-to-air weapons so that they could bring down Chadian military aircrafts.
“The weapons were delivered on October 16. France has a base in Lake Chad. The reports we gathered from high-profile terrorists in our detention facilities revealed a sinister plan.
“And by the way, Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move. It is near a forest close to Sokoto where they wanted to establish a terrorist stronghold known as Lakurawa. The French and ISWAP made this deal on March 4, 2024.”
The Nigerien leader said they explained French’s sinister tactics to top officials of Nigerian government but it remained silent and refused to act.
“We did all of this out of brotherhood with Nigeria. Alas, we didn’t realise that Nigeria’s decline came from the leadership, until later.”
He said Niger decided to take “decisive action against the French conspiracy, as well as deal with the Lakurawa group, which was reportedly positioned in neighbouring countries to launch attacks on Niger’s oil pipeline facilities.”
To understand the framework of TchianI’s allegations, it is essential to consider the historical and contemporary involvement of France in West Africa. France used to maintain significant colonial influence and grip over several West African/Sahelian nations, including Niger, Burkina Easo, Mali, Chad and Senegal, and this historical relationship was characterized by lingering exploitation, neo-colonialism and interference in local affairs.
Following decades of independence, many West African countries have faced challenges such as political instability, economic difficulties, and militant insurgencies, largely engineered by France and other foreign powers. Recently, some of these West African countries pulled away from France’s control and dominion, citing Paris’ economic strangulation and the aIding terrorism in the region.
The Sahel region, which includes Nigeria, has become a hotspot for jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram and various al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated factions. The deterioration of security in this region raises legitimate concerns about the sources of these insurgencies. TchianI’s suggestion that such terrorism is sponsored by France taps into a narrative of external manipulation that resonates with many local populations who view foreign powers with skepticism
General Tchiani’s allegations are grave and ground-breaking. They at this point in necessitate scrutiny from multiple angles. Firstly, he pointed accusing fingers at the Nigerian government, mentioning names of two security chiefs. Though, the Nigerian government had quickly denied the allegations and that the evidence supporting the claim of French sponsorship lacks clarity and depth, we must demand for a full-scale investigation into the matter. It should not be buried under the carpet
It will be recalled that former president Muhammadu Buhari asserted just few weeks before leaving office that foreign powers are fueling terrorism and insurgency in some parts of northern Nigeria, during his visit to Maiduguri in May 2023. Yet, nobody bothered to interrogate this claim. Again, when the erstwhile president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum was toppled in a military coup in 2023, the Nigerien government accused Bazoum of working with some foreign power to destabilize Nigeria. Many observers expected an inquest from the federal government to fact-check the allegation but nothing tangible was done.
The emerging romance between Nigeria and France, especially in light of Tchiani’s allegations regarding French-sponsored terrorism in West Africa, is worrisome and carries several significant implications: A closer relationship with France at thjs time when her traditional allies like Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire are pulling away could lead to enhanced suspicion, giving further credence to Tchiami’s claims
Additionally, the broader geopolitical implications of Gen. Tciami’s allegation must be considered. France has reportedly engaged with some West African states aimed at undermining the smooth takeoff of the new Sahelian confederacy, the AES. Last week, the AES stated that there are operations to reorganize and regroup terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and in certain border areas, namely: Niger-Nigeria, Niger-Benin, Niger-Burkina Faso, Benin-Burkina Faso. They also added that the terrorists receive various forms of support from foreign powers, including financial and logistical resources.
The narrative of foreign-backed terrorism is not new to us in West Africa. Past accusations have revolved around various nations purportedly funding or supporting insurgents to manipulate political landscapes.
Thus, Tchiani’s allegations echo sentiments articulated in the past concerning external involvement in regional conflicts. The continuous cycle of violence in the Sahel is often attributed to foreign powers’ involvement with the connivance of greedy political leaders. If these allegations are credible, the ramifications for regional stability could be profound. Such claims, if left unaddressed or inadequately challenged, may foster a deterioration of relations not only between Niger and Nigeria but also among neighboring states. This could dissuade collaboration in counterterrorism efforts, further entrenching insurgent groups that thrive on instability and the perception of government ineptitude.
Additionally, the allegations might contribute to a polarization within the region, with new powerful nations potentially entering the fray, complicating existing relationships and leading to an escalation of conflict rather than resolution. The narrative of foreign-sponsored terrorism could also strain public opinion within the country and diminish support for President Bola Tinunu especially in the insurgency-ravaged North.
