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Home Security Free Armed Forces Denies Being Controlled by France, Amid Destabilisation Allegations in Niger

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Free Armed Forces Denies Being Controlled by France, Amid Destabilisation Allegations in Niger

Oluwasegun SanusiNovember 23, 20241 Mins read401

According to reports a China-backed pipeline that would make Niger an oil-exporting country is being threatened by an internal security crisis and a diplomatic dispute with border country Benin, both as a result of last year’s coup that toppled the West African nation’s democratic government.

Free Armed Forces (FAL) has refuted claims of being controlled by France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE).

In a statement issued on November 11, 2024, FAL categorically denied claims circulating in the media that the French government directed or controlled its activities.

The Free Armed Forces (FAL) are fighting solely to restore constitutional order in Niger and to liberate our homeland from Tiani’s regime, the statement reads.

The communique described FAL as an independent organisation founded by patriots committed to Niger’s sovereignty, with no allegiance to foreign states.

It acknowledged that France grants asylum to the government of Niger in exile but stressed that this support does not equate to control or interference in FAL’s operations.

Our activities are not controlled by any foreign state, the statement read. France only grants its territory to the government of Niger in exile.

The communique concluded with a rallying cry for freedom: “Down with the AES Confederation! Down with Tiani’s regime! Long live a free Niger!”

The denial comes amid increasing tensions in Niger following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

Speculations have grown over France’s involvement in the crisis, mainly as it has historically maintained strong ties with Niger and its previous democratic government.

Observers note that FAL’s statement could be an attempt to distance itself from allegations of foreign manipulation, mainly as anti-French sentiment grows in parts of the Sahel region.

However, others claim it is just a ploy by the movement to deny the reports of support by France.

Recall Recent revelations from Radio Télévision du Niger (RTN) were reported to 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.

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