Nigerien President Abdourahmane Tchiani is under mounting criticism at home following his recent claims that Nigeria is conspiring with France to destabilize Niger. In a Christmas Day address, Tchiani accused Nigeria of hosting French military bases near Lake Chad and establishing terrorist training camps in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, allegations dismissed by the Nigerian government as baseless propaganda.
Many Nigeriens have expressed frustration over Tchiani’s remarks, labeling them as diversions from his administration’s failures. Critics argue that after 17 months in power following a coup, the military regime has made little progress in addressing economic hardships, insecurity, and other pressing national issues. Social media reactions have highlighted the lack of credibility in Tchiani’s claims, with some citizens accusing him of fostering regional discord to deflect attention from domestic challenges.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that Nigeria has historically resisted foreign military bases, even during colonial times. Ribadu urged Tchiani to focus on his country’s internal problems rather than dragging Nigeria into unfounded controversies. Defense experts have also debunked claims of French military presence in Nigeria’s Borno State, citing environmental challenges and ongoing terrorist activities in the region as evidence against such allegations.
The accusations have been criticized by Nigerian officials and organizations, including Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, who described the claims as an attempt to incite unrest in northern Nigeria. The Arewa Think Tank similarly condemned Tchiani’s remarks, accusing desperate politicians of fueling the controversy to undermine President Tinubu’s administration.
