Ouagadougou: The President of the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in a recent interview with National Television on the 3rd anniversary of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), reiterated his allegations against France and several Western countries. He accused them of being involved in attempts to destabilize the Sahel region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Nigerien leader praised the resilience of the people in Niger and the broader Sahel region, as well as the sacrifices made by the Defense Forces. He paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives defending their country, asserting that the ongoing struggle is yielding results despite opposition from Western countries, particularly those in Europe.
General Tiani accused France and other Western nations of “sponsoring terrorism” in the Sahel. He referenced actions and statements made by European leaders, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, which he interpreted as attempts to disrupt stability in the region.
One significant incident cited by President Tiani was the ultimatum given by France to Niger following the overthrow of the previous regime, demanding the reinstatement of former President Bazoum. He claimed that France had also leveraged ECOWAS to restore constitutional order in Niger.
President Tiani emphasized that the fight for dignity, independence, and sovereignty is a collective African struggle, not limited to individual leaders like Assimi Gota, Ibrahim Traor©, or himself.
The Nigerien president also referred to a June 18, 2026 attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport. He alleged that the assailants were supported by France, with evidence of their training and financing by French authorities.
General Tiani accused France of planning the attack to target key infrastructure and incite instability. He claimed that communication equipment was supplied by French intelligence, and some attackers were apprehended before the assault.
He suggested that the attack aimed to demonstrate Niger’s dependence on Western troops for security and to fuel a narrative undermining African self-determination.
The president expressed concerns that more attacks might occur, asserting that France’s objectives remain unmet and that Niger will continue to resist any destabilization efforts.