………Blame Nigeria, others for their woes
A leaked WhatsApp message purportedly originating from the Nigerien military under the leadership of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) has raised concerns about the regime’s use of social media to influence public opinion.
The message, reportedly shared in a group with military personnel loyal to the CNSP, outlines instructions to boost support for the junta by spreading claims that France, with alleged complicity from neighboring countries like Nigeria, is planning an attack on Niger.
The text of the message reads: “Go support the CNSP on social networks and audio. Heat up the Facebook. You sleep too much; we feel discouraged. this is not the time. Need to make a budget; we have a meeting with the 5 gallon and the gegene. The instruction showed the Pekin population that they want to attack us.
Turn on the radio badass.” Decrypted Intent The term “Pekin” is military slang for ordinary civilian citizens. The message reveals an effort to manipulate public perception by creating a narrative of imminent external threats, particularly from France and neighboring nations.
The intent appears to be twofold: Encouraging soldiers to remain engaged and maintain morale amidst declining confidence in the CNSP’s leadership and Instrumentalizing social media platforms like Facebook and radio broadcasts to rally civilian support and amplify the idea of foreign aggression.
The message was also intended for a specific target audiences, the Hausa Speaking Population in Niger and Northern Nigeria.
Citizen Reaction
A Nigerien citizen who exposed the message has accused President Abdourahmane Tchiani and his generals of staging the allegations as part of a calculated strategy to distract from internal challenges and consolidate power.
“This is a staged operation to rally the army and manipulate civilians into believing an external enemy is coming for them,” the citizen stated.
“It’s a shameful tactic to deflect attention from their failure to govern effectively and address the real issues facing Niger.”
The revelation comes at a time when Niger is grappling with economic hardship, strained international relations, and rising discontent among the populace.
Many Nigeriens have grown skeptical of the CNSP’s rhetoric, questioning its focus on external threats instead of addressing pressing domestic issues like unemployment, inflation, and security within the country.
They however warned that such tactics could backfire, further eroding trust in the CNSP and isolating it from both local and international stakeholders.
As the CNSP faces mounting criticism, the exposure of this alleged manipulation strategy highlights the complex dynamics at play in Niger’s current political landscape.
Whether these tactics will succeed in galvanizing support or deepen public disillusionment remains to be seen.
