At UNGA, Niger Accuses France Of Funding Terrorism in Sahel Region

The Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré on Munday accused France and its Western allies of funding and supporting terrorist groups in the Sahel region.

Sangaré made the accusation while speaking before world leaders at the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

The diplomat condemned what he described as France’s “new recolonisation strategy” which the former colonial master is championing in the Sahel, to exploit mineral resources in the region.

He argued that Western powers, including France, in their desperation for the wealth of resources in the Sahel region are funding the the destabilisation of the region by terrorists.

He recalled that Ukraine, an ally of NATO, publicly supported terrorists that recently attacked communities in Mali.

“Niger reaffirms its strong condemnation of these hostile acts and rejects all forms of support for terrorism, especially the active and public support of Ukraine for the terrorist coalition that perpetrated a cowardly attack on Tinzawaten in Mali.”

“This is the place to denounce the new strategy of recolonisation assumed by France which informs, trains, finances and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel,” he continued.

He also called out the hypocrisy of developed countries, especially members of the UN Security Council for failing to maintain peace in the world and preventing the oppression of poor nations by powerful countries.

He said, “Every year we engage in the ritual of lamenting the situation of poor countries and pleading for a more equitable world, but are forced to observe that we are holding too many meetings and taking too little action — we are stagnating.”

He noted that members of the Alliance of Sahel States will not “demean ourselves by begging for aid”, but are willing to sign partnership agreements with foreign investors based on the principle of win‑win cooperation while respecting the dignity of our people.”

AES members comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have cut ties with France and sacked military bases of the United States from their countries. They have turned to Russia for support in the fight against terrorism.

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Oluwatobi Odeyinka

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