What You Need to Know
Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has disclosed details of what he describes as an “imperialist conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing the Sahel region, particularly Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He claims the plan involves dividing Mali into four emirates and placing Niger and Burkina Faso under the control of a designated emir, highlighting a regional scheme to undermine security in Sahel region.
Africa. Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has disclosed information regarding what he describes as an “imperialist conspiracy” being orchestrated in the Sahel region, aimed at destabilizing the three countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
He confirmed that the primary objective of this plan is to “balkanize Mali” and divide it into four emirates, subsequently placing Burkina Faso and Niger under the authority of an “emir.”
During a speech delivered to the Nigerien armed forces, Tiani provided additional details about a regional scheme targeting the Sahel. The transitional president revealed that a secret meeting was held in a neighboring country to devise a plan to attack Mali by mobilizing armed militants and mercenaries, with the goal of seizing power and re-dividing the country into four emirates: the Azawad emirate, the Masina emirate, the Timbuktu emirate, and the Sirma Gourma emirate.
He added that the next phase of the plan does not involve dividing Burkina Faso and Niger but rather placing them under the administration of one of the four proposed emirs.
Tiani also referenced meetings held in October 2023 and January 2024 between French nationals and “armed groups” in West Africa, discussing arms shipments that arrived last June.
He spoke of a “widespread conspiracy” managed by the “Élysée Cell of the Sahel,” a plan with unlimited funding targeting Niger and the surrounding countries.
The transitional president also mentioned an “indirect war” being waged against the Union of Sahel States by relocating militants to the border areas shared by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, a move he views as part of an attempt to destabilize the security situation in these countries.
At the end of September, Tiani visited Mali, where he met with transitional President Assimi Goïta, a move seen as evidence of the Sahel countries’ desire to strengthen their political and military unity.
On the security front, Tiani announced that the joint force of the coalition is ready to operate, with its headquarters in Niamey, equipped with units capable of conducting bilateral and multilateral operations, allowing for a more effective response to armed terrorist groups.
The Sahel region has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with various external and internal forces vying for influence. In recent years, the area has faced escalating violence from militant groups, prompting regional leaders to seek greater cooperation to address security challenges. The dynamics of power and influence in the Sahel are complex, involving historical grievances, ethnic divisions, and the impact of foreign interventions.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formed alliances to combat the rising threat of terrorism and instability. The recent military coups in these countries reflect a growing discontent with traditional governance and foreign influence.
