France has been charged with preparing terrorist attacks in Niger in a bid to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power, Niger’s national broadcaster RTN stated, according to a Sputniknews.africa account.
“France wants to sabotage one of Niger’s oil pipelines with the help of terrorists, as well as influence the country’s key economic players by causing a rise in food prices in order to undermine Niger’s economy,” RTN’s host stated. France was also accused of planning to deploy se suicide bombers, take hostages at boarding schools I in an effort to secure the release and reinstatement of the country’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. Who was removed from power by the military last year.
One month after the removal of Bazoum a new rebel group was founded called the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL). The group took responsibility for bombing the oil pipeline that passes from Niger through Benin allowed Niger to export its oil last June and again earlier this month. The pipeline, which was built by China, remains out of commission.
On January 13 nine members of the FPL surrendered to Niger’s security forces, repented and handed over their weapons and ammunition, the Air-Info media outlet reported.
Last week, FPL leader Mahmoud Sallah was “provisionally stripped” of his nationality as well as seven members of the Bazoum regime. Mahmoud Sallah, who has been in rebellion since 2018 and cooperates with former Tuareg rebel leader Rhissa Ag Boula another “professional” rebel who has been in rebellion against the current government, on and off the last 30 years.
