Backlash against France continues in Niger, with several local media reporting that security and intelligence services in Niamey discovered this past week “a significant arsenal of war weapons” in a villa and in the premises of the European Union civilian crisis management mission in Mali known as EUCAP Sahel. The images, aired on the public television channel RTN on February 22, show what appears to be caches of war-grade weapons in a villa in the Francophonie extension, Tchangarey district, previously occupied by French military instructors, and at the headquarters of the EUCAP Sahel mission.
ActuNiger says search operations were conducted on February 19 and 20, leading to the finding of what authorities claim to be “an arsenal intended for destabilizing the country.” The discovered items include assault weapons, explosives, large-caliber cartridges, satellite communication devices, maps detailing strategic points in the country and its capital, as well as other equipment, with Niger saying the finding is evidence of the intentions of the owners. The North Africa Journal could not verify the veracity of Niger’s statements.
This discovery follows a similar one on February 7 in Tesker, Zinder region, where the security services uncovered a stock of military equipment, including 20 anti-tank mines and a complete portable system of surface-to-air missiles. The authorities allege that the lethal equipment belonged to individuals close to the former regime, aiming to destabilize Niger.
The Niger junta has accused France and former regime officials of attempting to destabilize the country. Despite the departure of French soldiers and Niamey’s exit from the EUCAP Sahel Niger agreement, security services have expanded their search scope, looking for any sign of covert operations. Several individuals, including former regime dignitaries, have been detained or are wanted for “treason and conspiracy against the state.” Additionally, associates of the former president were arrested following the alleged “escape attempt” by former president Mohamed Bazoum, announced by authorities in October last year.
In neighboring Mali, the United States’ ambassador in Bamako has experienced media scrutiny, with Malian commentators accusing her of excessive involvement in domestic political affairs. News outlets such as MaliWeb say they are concerned about US activities and trend involving Mali, with commentaries that seem threatening at times. Indeed some media have used the case of former French ambassador’s expulsion in February 2022 for perceived provocative remarks and connections with groups opposing the transition process, as a sort of threat to demand the US halts any communications with opposition figures.
A recent meeting between American experts and Malian members of the opposition is reported by the Malians as evidence of a U.S.’ intention to reassess its foreign policy in the Sahel region, prompting concerns about interference in Mali’s internal affairs.
The continued anti-west rhetoric may be related to the expanding relations of the Sahel nations with Russia, which has been pressuring governments in the region to speed up their distancing from the west.
