Niger has accused France of employing the ancient "Trojan horse" tactic to destabilize the West African country, according to the Nigerien Minister of the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration, General Mohamed Toumba. This accusation comes amid deteriorating relations between the two countries, which have been strained since a coup in July 2023 and subsequent attacks on the French embassy.

The alleged "Trojan horse" tactic, famously used by the ancient Greeks, involves partnering with neighboring countries to disrupt Niger's stability. General Toumba claims that France is using this strategy to sabotage Niger, which has led to a significant deterioration in their relationship. The two countries have a complex history, with Niger being a former French colony.

The July 2023 coup, which saw the presidential guard imprison President Mohamed Bazoum, marked a turning point in the relationship between France and Niger. The coup was followed by widespread protests near the French military station in Niger, leading to an attack on the French embassy. As a result, France closed its embassy in Niger indefinitely and withdrew all its troops from the country.

French forces had been present in Niger for over a decade, providing military assistance to combat an Islamist insurgency in Africa's Sahel region. However, General Toumba has accused French troops of failing to provide security and instead behaving without consequence, allowing the situation to deteriorate. The Nigerien government has also suspended the operations of the British media company, BBC, due to suspicions that it was trying to disrupt the country's peace.

The withdrawal of French troops from Niger, finalized in December 2023, concludes years of on-the-ground military assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron had initially been hesitant to withdraw the troops, but eventually agreed to do so following a request from Niger's junta government.

The ongoing tensions between France and Niger have significant implications for regional security and stability. As Niger seeks to redefine its colonial relations with France, the country is taking a more cautious approach to containing the crisis. The situation highlights the complex and often fraught relationships between former colonial powers and their African counterparts.

In the broader context, the deterioration of relations between France and Niger reflects a shifting landscape of global politics and security. As African countries increasingly assert their independence and sovereignty, the role of former colonial powers in the region is being reevaluated. The situation serves as a reminder of the need for nuanced and cooperative approaches to addressing regional security challenges.