France has been accused of orchestrating terrorist attacks in Niger as part of a strategy to destabilize the country’s economy and restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power. According to Niger’s national broadcaster RTN, these alleged plans involve sabotaging key infrastructure, such as oil pipelines, and using terrorist activities to influence economic conditions.
RTN claims that France intends to collaborate with terrorists to sabotage Niger’s vital oil pipelines, aiming to cripple the nation’s oil sector. Additionally, the broadcaster alleges that the plan includes manipulating food prices to create economic unrest, thereby undermining the transitional government led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
In a further assertion, RTN reported that suicide bombers may be deployed to take hostages at boarding schools in Niger, with the possible objective of securing the release and reinstatement of Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup on July 26, 2023. Bazoum, along with his wife Hadiza and son Salem, is reportedly being held at the presidential palace.
The coup, led by General Tchiani, was justified by the military as a necessary move to prevent “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country. Following the power shift, Tchiani signed a decree on August 10, 2023, establishing a transitional government.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions between Niger and France, with the former colonial power facing increasing resistance in the Sahel region. This follows Niger’s alignment with neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso under the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to bolster regional security and resist foreign interference.
While France has not officially commented on the accusations, the allegations further strain its relations with Niger and underscore the geopolitical complexities in the Sahel region. If proven true, such actions could have devastating consequences for Niger’s stability and broader regional security.
This situation highlights the fragile state of affairs in Niger as it grapples with both internal political transitions and external pressures, with the potential for long-term impacts on its governance and security landscape.
