France has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military government that it is collaborating with Nigeria to destabilize the West African country, describing the claims as “groundless.”
Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, refuted the accusations during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. “This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria,” de Seissan stated.
The accusations stem from recent comments by Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, who accused France of plotting against his country. Speaking in Hausa during an interview, Tchiani alleged that France was using Nigeria and Benin as bases for destabilization efforts.
Tchiani further claimed that France had made a “substantial payment” to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in the country. He also alleged that France had negotiated with Boko Haram and another group he referred to as “Bakurawa” to undermine Niger’s stability.
France, however, categorically denied the claims, emphasizing that no such discussions or arrangements have taken place. Both France and Nigeria have yet to issue further official statements addressing the matter.
The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between Niger’s military government and the international community following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum earlier in 2023.
