France has categorically dismissed allegations by Niger Republic’s military junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that it is colluding with Nigeria to destabilize Niger.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the Political Counsellor to the French Embassy in Nigeria, Bertrand de Seissan, described the claims as “groundless.”
Tchiani had accused France of plotting against his government, alleging that it was using Nigeria and Benin as bases to negotiate with terrorists and undermine Niger’s stability.
He further claimed France had made payments to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in the country.
“These allegations are baseless. This has never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria,” de Seissan stated.
Nigeria’s Federal Government also refuted the claims, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizing in a statement that there are no French military troops in northern Nigeria plotting to destabilize Niger.
The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbors, guided by mutual respect and non-interference.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, further addressed the issue during an Arise TV interview.
He defended Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic ties with France and highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing regional insecurity.
“Our relationship with France has always been rooted in mutual respect,” Tuggar said. “To tackle insecurity, we require collaboration with global powers, including France, the United States, and Russia.
These relationships are vital to resolving challenges like the flow of weaponry and fighters from Libya.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, during a foreign policy conference in Paris, dismissed the junta’s claims and criticized Sahelian leaders for their stance on France’s presence in the region.
Referring to some leaders as “ungrateful,” Macron argued that their citizens have deprioritized the fight against terrorism.
Both nations have reiterated their commitment to fostering stability in the West African region through peaceful and strategic collaborations.