Niger Accuses France, Western Allies of Sabotage and Supporting Terrorism in Sahel

Niger’s President Abdourahmane Tchiani has accused France and its Western Allies of actively working to undermine the sovereignty and stability of Sahel nations, particularly those within the newly formed Confederation of Sahel States (CSS).

Tchiani alleged that Western powers, including France and the United States, are not only obstructing regional security initiatives but are also engaging with extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) to sow chaos in the region.

If our Alliance achieves real results, it will inspire other countries to create independent associations. This is why France and its partners are doing everything in their power to prevent us, Tchiani declared in a televised interview.

He linked recent instability in Niger to alleged covert activities involving former regime officials, supported by Western countries. Tchiani pointed to confidential meetings held in Abuja, Nigeria, on January 25 and February 3, 2025. These meetings reportedly included officials from France, the U.S., Nigeria, Benin, and Ivory Coast, along with individuals purportedly connected to radical Islamist organisations.

According to the Nigerien leader, the gatherings aimed to expand military, financial, and logistical support to terrorist networks operating within CSS member states (Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso), to destabilise the alliance and reverse its push for regional autonomy and collective defence.

The allegations have sparked a rebuttal from Benin, Beninese Foreign Minister Oloushegun Adjadi Bakari categorically denied Niger’s accusations, calling them “serious and unfounded.”

Benin is fighting terrorism on its soil and from neighboring countries with determination and at the cost of heavy sacrifices, Bakari stated. “Attempting to associate our country with such practices is not only unacceptable but also profoundly unfair to our defense and security forces and our entire people.”

While affirming Benin’s respect for Niger’s sovereignty and its right to determine its partnerships, the Foreign Minister said Benin “will never allow its cooperation choices to be dictated.”

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