13.02.2026 06:10
General Amadou Ibro, one of the key figures in the military government of Niger, announced that they are preparing for war with France. Ibro accused the Paris administration of destabilizing the country, while France categorically denied the allegations.
Tensions between Niger and France have escalated to a new level. General Amadou Ibro, known as the right-hand man of the military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani in Niger, called on the public to prepare for war against France. Statements containing harsh expressions quickly spread on social media, while an official denial came from France.
"WE WILL GO TO WAR WITH FRANCE"
In his speech in French, General Amadou Ibro stated: "This mobilization has been declared to prepare for war with France."
Ibro intensified his remarks, saying, "Know that we will go to war with France. We were not at war before; now we are going to war with France." It was reported that during the speech, the crowd chanted "Down with France" and supported the statements with applause.
"INTERVENTION IS NOT AN OPTION"
The Paris administration firmly rejected the accusations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French General Staff, stated, "There is no question of a French intervention in Niger." Vernet noted that the statements in question are "clearly a information war," arguing that this is a disinformation operation conducted by Niger. Footage of General Ibro's speech was widely shared on social media on Thursday morning.
HEAVY ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MACRON
The Niger administration has long accused France of trying to destabilize the country. Junta leader General Tiani directly targeted French President Emmanuel Macron, also including Benin President Patrice Talon and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara in his accusations. Tiani accused these leaders of being the "sponsors" of ISIS-linked jihadists who attacked Niamey International Airport at the end of January.
FRENCH TROOPS WITHDREW AT THE END OF 2023
France withdrew its troops, who were on a mission to combat terrorism in Niger, at the end of 2023, following a prolonged diplomatic crisis with the junta administration. The Paris administration has consistently denied any attempts to destabilize Niger.