A prominent member of Niger's military council, General Amadou Ibro, has made a provocative statement urging Niger citizens to prepare for war against France, claiming that France is responsible for the deteriorating economic situation in Niger. His comments were made during a youth meeting in Niamey and have since gone viral on social media, reflecting the rising anti-French sentiment in the country. The general's rhetoric included declarations that "we will enter a war with France," provoking cheers from the crowd, indicating substantial support for this confrontational stance among local youth.

The call to arms comes amid severely strained relations between Niger and France, particularly after the overthrow of the previous government in a coup in July 2023, which has heightened nationalistic feelings against former colonial powers and foreign interventions. The military leadership in Niger has leveraged anti-French sentiments to consolidate power internally, portraying France as a primary antagonist responsible for Niger's crises. The increasing animosity is part of a broader context of growing instability in the Sahel region, where local populations often view former colonial powers with distrust and resentment.

In response, French military officials have dismissed the remarks, labeling them as part of a "clear information war" aimed at manipulating public perception. They assert that there is no intention of intervening in Niger, reflecting a broader trend of declining French influence in West Africa as local governments seek to assert their sovereignty. This situation poses significant implications not only for Niger's political landscape but also for regional security dynamics in West Africa, which may witness further escalations if tensions continue to rise.