France has dismissed as “groundless” claims made by Niger Republic that Nigeria had provided space for France to use in efforts to destabilize the former French colony.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Bertrand de Seissan, the Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, categorically denied the accusations. He stated that the allegation had never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria.
The comments came in response to allegations made by Nigerien military leader Abdourahamane Tchiani, who accused France of attempting to destabilize Niger by using neighboring countries, including Benin and Nigeria, as staging grounds for attacks. Tchiani also alleged that France had been negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria to undermine his government, specifically claiming that France had made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.
Tchiani further alleged that France had met and negotiated with the Boko Haram Lakurawa group, although these claims remain unverified.
“This claim is baseless. It has never been discussed, nor suggested by either France or Nigeria,” de Seissan stated.
” They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram home the Lakurawa group” Tchiani claimed.
