NIGER PRESIDENT: 'THE ENEMY IS FRANCE'

‘Unfortunately, the enemy we face is not terrorism, but above all, France.’ These are some courageous words from Niger's anti-imperialist, Pan-Africanist president, Abdourahamane Tiani in an interview with journalist Abdoulaye Tiemogo. Yet, throughout this video clip, Tiani proved himself capable of backing up his bold claim by laying out clear examples of the colonial violence that laid the foundation of French-Nigerien relations. In other words, he knows his history.

One of the most notorious incidents of colonial violence that Tiani referenced is the infamous massacre commanded by French colonisers Paul Voulet and Julien Chanoine. The Voulet-Chanoine mission notoriously massacred Africans and razed villages throughout the Sahel and savanna regions of Africa. One documentary, ‘African Apocalypse’ (2020), covers this history.

Importantly, Tiani reminded us that this exploitative and unequal relationship with France continued up until 26 July 2023, the day that the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) took power after ousting a Western-backed leader. Since then, Niger has nationalised multiple uranium mines once controlled by France. It has expelled both French and US military occupation, leading France to close its embassy in Niger. Niger has taken control of basic human needs by nationalising its water sector, which had been owned and operated by a French company. Furthermore, the country has cracked down on several French-based NGOs and media outlets. In response, the people of Niger have regularly taken to the streets to celebrate and defend Tiani and the CNSP.

Are you interested in seeing more speeches and interviews by President Abdourahamane Tiani?

Video credit: Office of Radio and Television of Niger (@ortntele on X)

Sources:

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Voulet-Chanoine

https://africanapocalypsefilm.com/digging-into-the-archives-and-giving-voice-to-the-people-of-niger/

https://www.neimagazine.com/news/niger-seizes-control-of-somair-uranium-mine/?cf-view

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/french-company-orano-loses-control-of-uranium-mine-to-niger-admin/3414093

https://apnews.com/article/niger-junta-ngo-ban-acted-9d2d8dd3905eed35a228e35f67f20b7b

https://www.africom.mil/pressrelease/35590/us-withdrawal-from-niger-completed

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/03/19/why-has-niger-declared-us-military-presence-in-its-territory-illegal/

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/last-french-troops-leave-niger-military-cooperation-officially-ends-2023-12-22/

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/niger/evenements/article/niger-fermeture-de-l-ambassade-02-01-24