On Saturday, Niger’s military leader accused France of attempting to “destabilise” the country.
This statement follows France’s expulsion of its troops, who had been fighting insurgency for seven months.
Since the coup on July 26 last year, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who led the presidential guard, has shifted Niger’s international alliances.
He requested the withdrawal of French troops from the Sahel.
During a two-hour interview on Niger public TV, Tiani claimed that France’s intelligence agents had been repositioned in Nigeria and Benin, alleging destabilizing activities involving “subversive agents” and “Beninese forces.”
Niger accuses Benin of hosting “French bases,” which both Beninese officials and France deny.
This dispute has led to diplomatic tensions, with Niger refusing to reopen its border and cutting off a key oil pipeline.
Despite tensions with Benin, Niger is strengthening ties with Burkina Faso and Mali, which are also under military regimes.
Tiani indicated that Niger’s oil might soon benefit these allied nations.
