In a powerful and confrontational address, the interim leader of Niger has launched a scathing critique against former colonial powers, accusing them of orchestrating instability across the Sahel region. The speech, delivered at a crucial regional summit, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic rift between the new military governments in West Africa and their Western counterparts.
A Fiery Denunciation at the Sahel Alliance Summit
Interim President Abdourahamane Tiani did not mince words while speaking at the Alliance of Sahel States summit in Bamako on December 24, 2025. He explicitly stated that nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso had decisively ended the presence of foreign military forces, which he labelled as "forces of occupation." According to Tiani, this move was essential for the countries to reclaim full sovereignty over their own security and territorial integrity.
The core of his accusation was that Western nations, with France at the forefront, are deliberately destabilising the Sahel region. He argued that this alleged sabotage creates a pretext for continued foreign intervention. Tiani outlined a multi-pronged strategy he attributes to these external actors, including efforts to damage critical infrastructure, fuel internal unrest, and wage sophisticated information warfare campaigns aimed at undermining the region's military-led governments.
France's Firm Rejection of the Allegations
In response to these serious charges, France has issued a firm and categorical rejection. French officials have reiterated that their historical military and operational role in the Sahel, primarily under operations like Barkhane, was solely focused on countering the very real and pervasive threat posed by militant jihadist groups. They maintain that their presence was at the invitation of sovereign governments and aimed at supporting regional stability, not undermining it.
The French rebuttal frames Tiani's speech as a political narrative that overlooks the complex security challenges the region faces. This exchange highlights the deep and growing chasm in perception between the new Sahelian leadership and their traditional European security partners.
The Broader Implications for Regional Security
The Bamako summit and Tiani's vehement speech underscore a dramatic geopolitical realignment in West Africa. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso represents a collective pivot away from Western partnerships and towards alternative alliances, often with nations like Russia. The rhetoric of "colonial West not welcome" is a potent symbol of this shift, resonating with populations that have grown weary of foreign military presence.
This development poses significant questions for the future of counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel, one of the world's most volatile regions. As the AES nations consolidate their stance, the international community is left to ponder how regional security will be managed without the framework of cooperation that existed for over a decade. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further diplomatic clashes and a redefined security architecture in the heart of Africa.
