Niger Prepares for War with France, General Calls on Population

General Amadou Ibro accuses Paris of seeking to destabilize the situation, according to Jeune Afrique magazine.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Niger is preparing for war with France, according to General Amadou Ibro, who has called on the country's population to do so. Ibro accuses Paris of seeking to destabilize the situation in Niger, as reported by Jeune Afrique magazine.

Why it matters

The escalating tensions between Niger and France, a former colonial power in the region, could have significant geopolitical implications for the stability of West Africa. France has a strong military presence in the Sahel region, and any conflict with Niger could draw in other regional actors.

The details

General Amadou Ibro, a senior military leader in Niger, has reportedly called on the country's population to prepare for war with France. Ibro has accused Paris of seeking to destabilize the situation in Niger, although the specific reasons behind the heightened tensions are not entirely clear from the available information.

  • The statements from General Ibro were reported by Jeune Afrique magazine on February 13, 2026.

The players

General Amadou Ibro

A senior military leader in Niger who has called on the country's population to prepare for war with France.

Jeune Afrique

A magazine that reported on General Ibro's statements regarding Niger's preparations for war with France.

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What they’re saying

“You must be prepared for war with France.”

— General Amadou Ibro, Senior Military Leader, Niger (Jeune Afrique)

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between Niger and France highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region, where France has a significant military presence. The situation bears close monitoring, as any conflict between the two countries could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.