Ola Akinwunmi
France has strongly refuted allegations made by Niger Republic accusing it of conspiring with Nigeria to destabilize the former French colony. The French government described the claims as “groundless” and insisted that no such discussions or agreements had ever taken place.
The denial was issued by Mr. Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, during an interview with journalists in Abuja. De Seissan categorically dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that neither France nor Nigeria had engaged in any such plot.
This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria,” De Seissan stated. His comments were in response to claims made by Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria to orchestrate destabilization efforts.
Tchiani, speaking in Hausa during an interview, alleged that France had provided financial incentives to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria as part of the purported scheme.
“They [France] met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa [likely a variation of Lakurawa, a newly identified terrorist group in Nigeria],” Tchiani claimed.
The Nigerien leader further accused France of using Nigeria and Benin as bases for launching attacks against his country. However, France has dismissed these assertions, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
These allegations come amid heightened tensions in West Africa following political instability and military takeovers in the region. France’s firm denial underscores its position as a partner in promoting peace and security across West Africa.
