Niger Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, launched a scathing attack on France at the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations on Monday, accusing the former colonial power of pursuing a ‘new recolonisation strategy’ through its support of terrorism in the Sahel region. The remarks came as relations between France and Niger continue to spiral in the wake of the military coup in Niger in July 2023, which ousted the democratically elected government.
Allegations against France
Addressing the international community, Sangaré accused France of informing, training, financing, and arming terrorist groups that have been destabilising the Sahel for more than a decade. He referred to the ongoing security crisis that has engulfed the region, stating that the Sahel has been battling a worsening wave of violence that threatens the existence of its states.
‘This is the place to denounce the new strategy of recolonisation assumed by France, which informs, trains, finances, and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel,’ Sangaré asserted, adding that the actions of France were a direct threat to regional stability and an affront to the sovereignty of Sahelian countries.
Niger’s Foreign Minister’s condemnation extended beyond France, as he accused Ukraine of providing support for terrorist groups in the region. ‘Ukraine’s active and publicly claimed support for the terrorist coalition that cowardly attacked Tinzaouaten in Mali must be condemned,’ Sangaré stated, further accusing Western nations of meddling in the region’s conflicts for geopolitical gains.
Deteriorating diplomatic relations
The accusations against France by Sangaré follow similar claims made by Niger’s head of state, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in August. Tiani had accused France of attempting to destabilise Niger and supporting terrorism across West Africa. These accusations have led to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between Niger and France, with France yet to officially respond to these claims.
Since the July coup in Niger, relations with France have dramatically soured. The military-led government has accused Paris of interference, and tensions have risen over France’s refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the new leadership. France, which had around 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to fight against Islamist insurgents, faced pressure from Niger’s junta to withdraw its military presence.
The deteriorating situation in Niger reflects similar trends in other former French colonies in the region, such as Mali and Burkina Faso. Both of these countries have experienced military coups in recent years, and diplomatic ties with France have also been significantly strained as they realign politically and shift away from their former colonial power.
A broader regional crisis
The accusations come amid a broader backdrop of instability in the Sahel, a region that has been grappling with escalating violence, particularly from Islamist extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These groups have exploited local grievances, ethnic divisions, and weak governance to establish a foothold in the region.
The Sahel crisis has worsened due to the intervention of multiple foreign actors with competing interests. The accusations that France is financing and arming terrorist groups are serious, especially given the region’s already fragile security situation. France had initially intervened in Mali in 2013 to drive out Islamist militants threatening to overtake the country, but over the years, its involvement has become increasingly controversial, with local populations growing hostile to its presence.
France’s response and international concerns
The French government has so far not issued an official response to Sangaré’s recent remarks, but it has consistently denied such allegations in the past. France maintains that its military presence in the Sahel has always been aimed at fighting terrorism and helping stabilise the region. However, growing anti-French sentiment across West Africa has led to French troops being expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso, with similar calls emerging in Niger after the recent coup.
Western governments are increasingly concerned about the instability in the Sahel, which could further fuel migration pressures towards Europe and provide a haven for terrorist groups. The escalating tensions and worsening relations between Niger and France have also drawn the attention of other global powers, with Russia appearing to gain influence in the region, partly through its support of military regimes.
The withdrawal of French troops from several Sahelian nations has created a power vacuum that Russia has been eager to fill. Wagner Group, the Russian paramilitary organisation, has reportedly established a presence in Mali and is believed to be seeking a role in Niger, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Regional repercussions and broader impact
Niger’s condemnation of France comes at a crucial time for the Sahel. The region, one of the poorest in the world, faces multiple challenges, including insurgencies, economic difficulties, and severe climate change impacts. Niger’s accusations highlight the complexity of foreign involvement in the region, with powers both old and new seeking influence over its resources and political direction.
For the people of Niger and the wider Sahel, the ongoing geopolitical struggle means continued instability and insecurity. As accusations fly between Niger’s government and France, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with millions displaced due to violence. The region’s fragile state institutions are struggling to cope with these challenges, and the future remains uncertain.
UN and international response
The 79th General Assembly of the United Nations provided a platform for Sahelian leaders like Bakary Yaou Sangaré to voice their concerns on the global stage. The international community is being called upon to re-evaluate its approach to the Sahel, with a focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring that foreign interventions do not further destabilise the region.
Sangaré’s speech is a reminder of the long-standing grievances that Sahelian nations hold regarding foreign influence, particularly from former colonial powers like France. As the situation continues to evolve, there is increasing pressure on international stakeholders to adopt a more nuanced approach that respects the sovereignty and aspirations of Sahelian countries while effectively addressing security concerns.
The accusations made by Niger’s Foreign Minister against France are not just about the country’s current involvement in the Sahel but also reflect a broader narrative of neo-colonialism and exploitation that has marred France’s relations with its former colonies. Whether these tensions will ease in the coming months or lead to a complete breakdown of relations remains to be seen, but the implications for regional stability are profound.
