Nigerien Citizens Slam President Tchiani Over Prioritizing Baseless Allegations Against Nigeria
Nigerien citizens have voiced strong criticism against military President Abdourahmane Tchiani for neglecting the pressing issues facing the country and instead resorting to unfounded accusations against neighboring nations and others. The backlash follows President Tchiani’s Christmas Day address, which many deemed repetitive and lacking substantive solutions to Niger’s urgent challenges.
In a pointed video commentary, Maidalili Namu of the Muduba Mugani podcast outlined the adverse effects stemming from the coup that deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum, asserting that it had plunged the nation into deeper socio-economic, political, and security crises.
In a video obtained by PRNigeria, Namu, representing the sentiments of many citizens, declared that Niger is being “ruined by 16 generals” who have failed to stabilize the country, leading it on a “drowning train.” He accused President Tchiani of fostering animosity both regionally and internationally, sowing seeds of discord with Niger’s neighbors and other nations.
Addressing the President directly, Namu urged him to seek verified information instead of relying on misleading intelligence from advisors with questionable motives. “You have been in power for 17 months, confined to the villa and fed with false information that clouds your judgment,” he stated.
Namu chastised the President for his repeated accusations against France, Nigeria, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), labeling them as baseless rhetoric. He noted that many Nigeriens expected the President’s speech to offer “nothing new,” merely recycled claims against external forces.
“When it was announced that you would address the nation at 8 PM on December 25, 2024, in Hausa, Zabarma, and French, the prevailing rumor was that your speech would lack originality, filled only with the usual condemnation of France, ECOWAS, Nigeria, and others as our adversaries,” Namu said. “Some even wagered that they would give goats or cash if you didn’t mention France in your address.”
“Nigeriens are fed up with your repetitive statements that yield no progress. What is most frustrating is that you vindicated their predictions. Some even began to tally how many times you mentioned France, Nigeria, and ECOWAS, suggesting they are conspiring to destabilize Niger.”
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“You have accused numerous countries, both within and outside Africa, of undermining Niger, leading some to question your mental fitness for leadership. Your diplomatic failures are evident. You have insulted numerous leaders from various countries, implicating at least 20 nations in a conspiracy against Niger, many of whom we have no direct relations with.”
Namu expressed discontent over President Tchiani’s failure to address the dire living conditions of Nigeriens, particularly the ongoing shortages of fuel and essential commodities. He pointed out that contractors have reportedly diverted fuel to neighboring countries while the government simultaneously accuses these nations of sabotage.
“The real issues affecting Nigeriens—economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, fuel scarcity, and the rising cost of living—were overlooked,” he said. “Instead, we heard the same old narrative of external threats and unfounded claims of terrorist camps supervised by the French.”
Namu also raised concerns regarding President Tchiani’s claims of recruiting 25,000 soldiers and acquiring weapons worth $150 million, alleging that many resources cited by the current government were, in fact, procured long before by allies of the President.
The President’s assertions about alleged terrorist training camps in Burkina Faso and Niger were also scrutinized. “You asserted that camps have been established for training terrorists in Burkina Faso and Niger—concluding that by the end of 2024, at least 400 terrorists will be trained under French supervision. If you possess accurate information about these camps, why do you not coordinate efforts to dismantle them instead of using this information merely as a talking point?” Namu challenged.
Mr. Tchiani, you must recognize that none of the leaders you’ve insulted have retaliated; you have disparaged leaders from countries like Tanzania, Mauritania, Chad, and others. If your assertions hold any truth, how can we possibly survive more than 24 hours amidst the threats you mention?
Namu accused the President of disregarding humanitarian crises in the country, including flooding and the displacement of thousands of Nigeriens due to terrorism. Citing data, Namu highlighted that 4,673,335 people currently face hardships, while 2,312 lives have been lost to terrorist attacks since the coup.
In conclusion, Namu called for a shift in focus from external blame to actionable solutions for the nation’s challenges. “Nigeriens are seeking solutions, not empty rhetoric. You won’t grasp the full extent of your failures until the truth eventually comes to light,” he emphasized, urging President Tchiani to prioritize addressing the genuine issues confronting Niger.
By PRNigeria
