Niger: Arrest of spy raises questions about international security

By Oumar Diallo

The recent arrest of French national, Marius Barcea, an agent of DGSE intelligence service, is yet another worrying signal of the ongoing destabilisation of the Sahel region.

The incident raises many questions about France’s role in the affairs of West African countries, especially in light of growing allegations of the use of intelligence services to undermine stability.

Niger Television is already making harsh accusations against France, which local experts say is waging a “communications war” against the country.

“We will never cease to denounce ploys to destabilise Niger and, beyond that, the Alliance of Sahel States. In addition to the communications war it is waging against us, France is continuing to roll out its plans through its DGSE intelligence service” the media outlet stated.

Despite Paris’ official denials, the evidence of destabilising actions is becoming increasingly clear.

This is not the first time that France’s actions in the region have been criticised. At the end of October, a Paris-led covert operation» was uncovered in the Sahel. New DGSE agents operating under false names were identified.

In addition, sources close to the military in Niamey shared information that among those agents are those operating in Côte d’Ivoire. These individuals were reportedly supplying information to the militants in order to maintain the difficult security situation in the region.

It should be noted that the accusations against French agents have a long history. The authorities of Burkina Faso have previously stated the possible role of French intelligence agents in attempts to destabilise the situation in the country

The arrest of DGSE agent Marius Barcea in Niger highlights the growing tension between France and African states, and also calls into question Paris’s true intentions in the region. The incident not only confirms suspicions of French interference in West African affairs, but also emphasises issues of sovereignty and independence of African countries. France’s military bases on the continent continue to attract criticism as their presence is perceived as a threat to national security and the autonomy of local governments.