Niger has suspended all intelligence cooperation with Morocco, citing allegations of Rabat's collaboration with French intelligence. The decision was made by Niger’s Directorate General for Documentation and External Security (DGDSE) and reported by the French think tank Africa Inside.
The suspension follows the discovery of connections between a Moroccan communications interception firm and a French private contractor, which has raised concerns about potential French infiltration into Niger's intelligence operations. As a result, Niger's intelligence capabilities have been significantly diminished.
This development comes at a critical time for Niger, where the Presidential Guard has been tasked with conducting night patrols in the capital, Niamey, to maintain security in the absence of Moroccan assistance. The implications of this decision could lead to increased instability in the region, as Niger navigates its intelligence needs without foreign support.
This week’s announcement adds to a series of geopolitical tensions across Africa, with similar situations emerging in neighboring countries. For instance, recent developments in Mali highlight the fragile security landscape in the Sahel region. As Niger reassesses its intelligence strategies, the international community will be watching closely to see how this affects regional dynamics.
