Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has made bold claims against France, accusing the European country of secretly funding terrorist groups to destabilize the Sahel region and Niger. Speaking on state television, General Tchiani alleged that France has been pouring billions of CFA francs into armed groups, including the notorious Boko Haram.

According to Tchiani, these funds support militants operating in Nigeria’s Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as inside B...