Tinubu under fire for targeting pro-Traoré activists

DDM News

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly ordered a covert crackdown on Nigerian demonstrators supporting Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso.

Sources allege that this directive was issued following diplomatic pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) was allegedly tasked with targeting organizers of these rallies in major cities such as Abuja and Kano.

The protests are largely driven by youth-led Pan-Africanist movements critical of continued foreign influence in African politics.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power in Burkina Faso in 2022 after leading a coup against a previous military junta.

Since assuming office, he has gained widespread support from Pan-Africanist circles who see him as a defender of African sovereignty.

Traoré has consistently criticized France’s continued involvement in the internal affairs of former colonies across West Africa.

His popularity has surged among African youths who believe foreign powers, particularly France, are responsible for much of the region’s instability and exploitation.

According to two senior Nigerian security officials, DSS agents have already arrested key organizers in secret operations carried out over the past week.

One source revealed that agents were told this was a “sensitive international matter” with deep geopolitical implications.

The source added that the protests were perceived by the French as part of a broader movement threatening their interests in Africa.

The Nigerian government has not publicly confirmed these arrests or its alleged coordination with the French authorities.

Analysts are interpreting the silence as an indication of Abuja’s quiet alignment with France’s diplomatic agenda.

This development is unfolding as France continues to lose influence in the Sahel region, where countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expelled French troops and diplomats.

These countries, now led by military juntas, have embraced Pan-African rhetoric and distanced themselves from former colonial rulers.

Observers note that France’s historical control of African resources and politics remains a sensitive and emotional issue across the continent.

In Nigeria, critics have warned that acting on Macron’s request could damage the country’s sovereignty and credibility.

Dr. Habeeb Akande, a Lagos-based political analyst, said the move was “deeply troubling” if confirmed.

He emphasized that Nigeria must not serve as an enforcement arm for any foreign power, especially one with colonial history in Africa.

Civil society organizations have joined the chorus of condemnation.

Amnesty International Nigeria issued a statement demanding the release of all peaceful protesters arrested in connection with the demonstrations.

The group stressed that every citizen has a constitutional right to free expression, regardless of international consequences.

Amnesty warned that suppressing peaceful dissent sets a dangerous precedent for human rights in Nigeria.

Despite the criticism, pro-Traoré support appears to be growing among youth groups in Nigeria.

These young Nigerians admire Traoré for rejecting external control and advocating for African self-determination.

Supporters argue that the military leader represents a new wave of bold leadership unafraid to confront former colonial powers.

Many see his defiance as a symbol of pride in African identity and resistance against exploitation.

The reported involvement of France in Nigeria’s internal security decisions has added fuel to this already sensitive issue.

Analysts say the timing is especially bad for Tinubu, whose administration is facing mounting pressure over inflation and governance failures.

Nigerians are already frustrated by economic hardship and insecurity.

Any perceived loyalty to foreign interests could erode public trust further.

The lack of official comment from both the Nigerian presidency and the French embassy in Abuja has only heightened public suspicion.

This silence is being interpreted by many as a sign that something is indeed being concealed.

The long-term political consequences for Tinubu remain uncertain.

However, the uproar signals that Nigerians are increasingly vigilant about foreign interference and the integrity of their democracy.

As public debate grows louder, the administration may be forced to clarify its stance to avoid further backlash.

The questions now dominating discourse are about national pride, sovereignty, and Africa’s place in the global power structure.

This issue may prove to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu’s leadership.

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