Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that French President Emmanuel Macron authorised French intelligence services to implement covert plans aimed at removing what it describes as “unwanted leaders” in Africa.
The claims were reported by Sputnik and echoed by China Global Television Network (CGTN), although France has not publicly responded to the allegations.
According to the SVR, the alleged strategy involves destabilisation efforts across parts of West Africa and the Sahel, including the use of proxy militant groups, attacks on civilian infrastructure and economic disruption to weaken governments seen as hostile to French interests.
Claims linked to instability in Mali
The SVR alleges that terror attacks on civilians, assaults on fuel tankers, and attempts to blockade Malian cities were intended to destabilise Mali and undermine President Assimi Goïta’s government.
Since September 2025, Mali has faced a major security and humanitarian crisis following a blockade led by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked militant group. Armed fighters reportedly attacked and destroyed hundreds of fuel tanker trucks along key transport routes, severely disrupting fuel supplies.
By October 2025, the Malian government suspended school activities nationwide due to fuel shortages affecting staff mobility.
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane said on state television that schools would close for two weeks “due to fuel supply disruptions that are impacting the ability of school staff to travel.”
The crisis also forced international logistics firms, including Mediterranean Shipping Company, to temporarily halt cargo bookings to Mali over security and fuel concerns.
Growing international concern
The worsening security situation drew global attention, prompting the United States to place Mali and four other African countries on its high-risk travel list, citing escalating violence and instability.
Malian authorities have previously accused unnamed foreign powers of fuelling insecurity, a claim echoed in Russian media.
Niger attack escalates tensions
Tensions escalated further following an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, which reportedly lasted around 30 minutes.
The assault resulted in 24 casualties and 11 arrests, after Nigerien and Russian security forces conducted a joint air and ground counter-operation.
Following the attack, Niger’s head of state, General Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of involvement.
“We remind the sponsors of these mercenaries, notably Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon, and Alassane Ouattara: we’ve heard them bark quite enough; now they should get ready to listen to us,” Tiani said.
Accusations raised at the United Nations
In September 2025, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine addressed the United Nations General Assembly, accusing France of training, funding and arming terrorist groups to destabilise Niger and incite inter-ethnic conflict.
“Since French troops were cast out from Niger in 2023, the government of France has established a subversive, underhand plan to destabilise my country,” Zeine told world leaders.
He further alleged that similar efforts were underway across the Sahel region.
Previous arrests in Mali
A month earlier, Mali’s junta-led government arrested two generals and a French national, accusing them of plotting to undermine state security. French authorities have not publicly commented on the case.
France yet to respond
As of publication, France has denied involvement in destabilising African states in previous incidents, but has not issued a formal response to the latest SVR allegations.
Analysts note that the claims come amid heightened geopolitical rivalry in Africa, particularly between Western nations and Russia, as several Sahel states deepen security and diplomatic ties with Moscow.
