
Faith Nyasuguta
Niger has accused France of employing the “Trojan horse” tactic to destabilize the country, further straining their already deteriorated relations. General Mohamed Toumba, Niger’s Minister of the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration, stated that France is allegedly collaborating with Niger’s neighboring countries to disrupt the nation’s stability.
Relations between France and Niger worsened significantly after the July 26, 2023, coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup, led by the National Council for Homeland Security (CNSP), replaced the democratic government with a revolutionary administration. The event triggered widespread protests near the French military base in Niger, with demonstrators accusing France of meddling in the country’s affairs. This culminated in attacks on the French embassy.
By December 2023, tensions reached a tipping point, and France was forced to withdraw its 1,500 troops from Niger after repeated demands from the CNSP. The departure ended years of military assistance aimed at combating jihadist violence in the Sahel region, where Islamist insurgencies have claimed thousands of lives.

French President Emmanuel Macron initially hesitated but eventually agreed to the withdrawal, stating that the decision aligned with France’s commitment to respecting Niger’s sovereignty.
General Toumba has criticized France’s role during its military presence in Niger, claiming that French forces avoided meaningful action and failed to address the security crisis. He argued that their presence only worsened the situation, allowing jihadist groups to thrive. France, on the other hand, maintained that its troops were essential, suggesting that Niger’s local forces could not handle the insurgency alone.
Beyond military matters, Niger has accused France of attempting to influence its internal affairs through covert strategies, likened to the ancient Greek “Trojan horse” tactic. Toumba called on Nigeriens to remain vigilant against such maneuvers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s peace and sovereignty.
Adding to the tension, Niger recently suspended the operations of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), alleging that the media outlet was spreading information aimed at disrupting the country’s peace. This move reflects the administration’s growing wariness of foreign interference, particularly from Western entities.

Since the coup, Niger’s government has sought to redefine its narrative regarding colonial ties with France. The revolutionary leadership has taken steps to assert its independence, rejecting what it perceives as neo-colonial influence. As a former French colony, Niger’s resistance mirrors the sentiments of other Sahelian nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also distanced themselves from France in recent days.
This development shows the shifting dynamics in Africa’s Sahel region, where anti-French sentiment continues to rise, fueled by perceptions of exploitation and ineffective foreign intervention.
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