GEOPOLITICS | Niger Accuses France of Interference, Threatens War

Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland Chairman's special advisor, Ibro Amadou Basharu, has accused France of interfering in the country's affairs, declaring a potential state of war with France. According to Jin10, Basharu made these remarks during a public gathering in Niamey, Niger's capital, on February 11. He claimed that France has long benefited from Niger's resources and that recent policy shifts by Niger have threatened French interests, leading to a hostile stance from France. Basharu urged the public to prepare for possible conflict, stating, "We were not in a state of war before, but now we will enter a state of war with France." In response, French military spokesperson Guillaume Vernet denied any interference in Niger's situation, dismissing the accusations as part of an "obvious information war" by Niger.