Niger: Accusations of destabilisation: Is France destabilising Niger?

The relationship between France and Niger seems to be getting more difficult. Indeed, serious accusations of destabilisation came to light from the National Council for the safeguarding of the homeland (CNSP), currently at the head of Niger. In a statement, the CNSP accused France of violating Nigerien airspace and releasing jihadists, all with the aim of destabilising the country.

The CNSP claims that French forces violated their airspace. Despite the closure of Niger’s airspace, France reportedly allowed a military aircraft from Chad to take off.

According to the CNSP, the aircraft in question deliberately broke off contact with the Nigerien air traffic control tower for several hours.

This violation of Niger’s air sovereignty is a provocation against a sovereign country. Is France trying to destabilise Niger? Does it want a second Libya in the West African sub-region?

Among the accusations of destabilisation, one of them is made by the CNSP concerning the release of jihadists by France.

Once released, these bandits would be involved in planning attacks on military positions in the tri-border region between Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

This revelation raises major concerns about national and regional security and France’s troubled role.

The situation arises against a backdrop of regional destabilisation, with several countries in the region facing security and terrorism-related challenges.

Niger, in particular, is faced with terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region.

Karim Fall