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Niger junta leader alleges France-Nigeria conspiracy to destabilise region

Niger Republic's Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is funding Nigeria to establish a military base in Borno State with the intent of destabilising Niger and its neighbouring nations.

The claims, made during a recent address, were shared by Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama on X (formerly Twitter).

Tiani accused France of recruiting terrorists through the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) to operate from Gaba Forest, located at the Niger-Nigeria border near Sokoto.

"France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilising our countries," Tiani allegedly stated.

He also claimed to have informed Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, about the purported conspiracy.

Makama noted that Tiani's accusations reflect deteriorating relations between Niger and France since the July 2023 military coup that ousted Niger's civilian government.

"Tiani's administration has consistently accused France of interfering in Niger's internal affairs and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta," Makama explained.

The security expert, however, cast doubt on the credibility of Tiani's claims.

"These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France," he argued.

Makama warned that such accusations could jeopardise regional cooperation efforts.

"General Tiani's accusations not only undermine these important initiatives but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations that share a common goal of achieving stability and peace in the Sahel region," Makama concluded.

The allegations mark the latest flashpoint in the tense relations between Niger and its former colonial power, with potential ramifications for diplomatic ties across the region.

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