France’s Intelligence Service Exposed in an Attempt to Destabilise Niger — Reports

Recent revelations from Radio Télévision du Niger (RTN) have ignited panic in France, suggesting that France’s intelligence service, the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE), may have been involved in an attempt to destabilise Niger.

Reports from RTN, partially confirmed by Jeune Afrique, include critical details such as internal DGSE codes that point to France’s potential role in targeting Niger’s government.

The news has reportedly triggered what one French security source described as “panic” within the DGSE. It has now opened an internal investigation to determine how much susceptible data could have leaked and how Nigerien authorities accessed it.

Meanwhile, in a related move, Niger’s military-led government yesterday announced a temporary nationality stripping of seven former officials and associates of the civilian government that was overthrown in a July 2023 coup.

These individuals, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Hassoumi Massoudou and former Trade Minister Alkache Alhada, are being targeted for alleged “terrorist attacks” and suspected “intelligence with a foreign power.”

General Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power following the coup, signed a decree on Tuesday authorising the nationality removal of those suspected of conspiring against the state.

In a statement, the government described the grounds as encompassing a range of offences, from “acts of support for terrorism” and “intelligence with a foreign power” to “treason against the security of the State.”

Among the affected are two prominent former ministers, Massoudou and Alhada, who face charges in a military court.

Other high-profile individuals on the list include Seydina Maman Kadela, an ex-colonel in Niger’s army, and Mahmoud Sallah, leader of the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), which has admitted to attacks on the Nigerien army and infrastructure.

These moves are in line with an August order allowing the state to track individuals deemed threats to Niger’s strategic or national interests.

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