Nigerians React As Niger Republic Alleges France Behind Funding Of Military Base In Nigeria

Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France of financially backing Nigerian authorities to set up a military base in Borno State, claiming the initiative is part of a broader effort to destabilize Niger and its neighboring countries.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This allegation was revealed by Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday. According to Makama, Tiani made the accusation during a recent speech, accusing France of interfering in the region with hidden agendas.

“France has even offered financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole objective of destabilizing our nations,” Tiani reportedly said. “We have alerted Nigerian officials, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, about a significant conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Niger.”

Makama further quoted Tiani, claiming that the Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, had been selected by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP as a base.

The security expert noted that this accusation is part of a growing pattern of charges leveled against France by the Nigerien leader, which highlights the deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial ruler following the military coup in July 2023.

“Tiani’s government has consistently accused France of meddling in Niger’s internal matters and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta,” Makama added.

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