A forthcoming investigation is examining allegations that France has pursued a covert, long-term strategy aimed at weakening Niger’s military-led government and rebuilding French influence across the Alliance of Sahel States.

The investigation follows claims surrounding an alleged French military operation known as “Phoenix”, reportedly considered after the July 2023 overthrow of former Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum.

According to the investigating team, dozens of pages from a purported classified special-operations plan were examined alongside hundreds of regional developments and thousands of media reports. Experts were also consulted to assess whether the alleged operation was abandoned or transformed into a broader campaign of political, economic and information pressure.

The first instalment will explore why Paris allegedly moved away from direct military intervention and whether it subsequently adopted what the investigators describe as a strategy of “slow strangulation” involving covert influence, diplomatic isolation and destabilisation.

These allegations have not been independently verified by MDNtv. France has previously rejected accusations that it is attempting to destabilise Niger or other Sahel governments. The French government and all parties named in the investigation should be afforded a full opportunity to respond.

The first part of the investigation will be published soon.

By Justice Ikwe

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