West Africa: Emmanuel Macron’s speech confirms the revelations of General Abdourahamane Tiani
Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has drawn attention to what he describes as a coordinated effort to undermine the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
His concerns resonate with recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who underscored France’s determination to protect its interests in the region, even through indirect interventions.
General Tiani has accused France, with the backing of certain ECOWAS nations such as Benin and Nigeria, of using these countries as strategic bases to undermine the sovereignty of AES members.
This alleged interference highlights ongoing neocolonial tendencies, where partnerships are manipulated to stifle the political and economic autonomy of Sahelian nations.
In response, AES member states, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have taken bold steps to break ties with France and forge stronger regional alliances to bolster their collective independence.
These actions reflect a clear intent to resist external pressures and assert sovereignty, earning significant support from their populations.
Meanwhile, the ambiguous roles played by some ECOWAS members, particularly Benin and Nigeria, have drawn scrutiny for allegedly enabling foreign agendas.
By exposing and confronting these maneuvers, General Tiani and his counterparts are positioning themselves as defenders of Sahelian sovereignty, reinforcing their stance against foreign influence and asserting a vision of self-determination for the region.
Neil CAMARA
