The French government has denied claims that it is collaborating with Nigeria to destabilise Niger following the military coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The French Foreign Ministry, in a statement, clarified that France remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order in Niger. The ministry stressed that France has no intention of engaging in any covert operation to undermine the current regime in Niger.
This response comes after rumors circulated that France was working with Nigeria to intervene militarily in Niger to reinstate Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the coup. The accusations have fueled anti-French sentiments across the Sahel region, where France has been accused of meddling in the affairs of former colonies. The French government, however, reiterated its respect for Niger’s sovereignty and denied any plans to interfere in the country’s internal affairs without a clear international mandate.
Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the chairman of ECOWAS, has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Niger. The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that any intervention would follow regional protocols and be a collective decision of ECOWAS member states. Tinubu has emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution, dismissing any notion of Nigeria acting unilaterally or in alliance with external powers.
The military leaders in Niger have remained defiant, refusing to step down despite international pressure. They have accused both France and Nigeria of plotting to destabilise the country. These accusations have strained relations between the Niger junta and neighboring countries, particularly Nigeria, which shares a long border with Niger and is directly affected by the political instability.
France’s denial aims to dispel growing tensions and concerns about foreign interference in Niger. The crisis in Niger remains a critical issue in West Africa, with regional stability at stake. ECOWAS has continued to explore both diplomatic and military options to resolve the crisis, but there is increasing pressure on all parties involved to ensure that peace is restored without escalating the conflict further.
