Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani has accused Western nations, particularly France, of orchestrating a covert campaign to destabilise the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) through intelligence operations, regional proxies, and armed groups.
In an extensive interview broadcast on national television station RTN over the weekend, General Tiani, who leads Niger’s transitional government, alleged that foreign powers are waging an indirect war against the alliance between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He claimed this effort involves a coordinated conspiracy driven by neighbouring countries, Western intelligence agencies, and global actors opposed to the Sahel confederation’s ambitions.
The transitional leader cited the presence of two covert French networks operating in the region. The first, reportedly formed shortly after the 26 July 2023 coup in Niger, is allegedly led by Jean-Marie Bockel, French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy to Africa.
This network is said to consist of military personnel tasked with preventing what Tiani described as “Sahelian contamination” – a euphemism for the spread of AES influence.
The second group, referred to as the “Élysée Sahel Cell,” is alleged to have been created in September 2024 under the guidance of Christophe Guilhou. According to Tiani, the unit includes agents from France’s external intelligence agency (DGSE), diplomats, and representatives of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Jérémie Robert is named as its key operative. Tiani asserted this cell has access to “unlimited funds” aimed at undermining the AES.
Tiani went on to accuse Benin of permitting militant groups to regroup in its northern regions, claiming this area has become a haven for fighters under “French influence.” He alleged that former combatants from the Lake Chad basin are being redirected to AES borders to destabilise the confederation.
He further claimed that a meeting on 15 March 2025 brought together Western agents and representatives of extremist organisations including Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa. Tiani alleged the goal of this gathering was to use these armed factions to wage an indirect war, beginning with Niger.
Nigeria was also implicated in his remarks. The Nigerien leader accused Abuja of offering support and accommodation to French troops expelled from Niger, citing meetings held in the Nigerian capital on 25 January and 3 February 2025. He also alleged that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was recently expelled from Niger, had attended one of these meetings.
In response to the threats, Tiani asserted that the AES joint military force is fully operational and has already begun field operations.
He suggested the international pushback against the Sahel states is rooted in fear of the example they represent. Tiani also drew a comparison with global reactions to the crisis in Gaza, accusing Western nations of “selective compassion” and double standards.
