The French president has authorized plans to "eliminate" military leaders on the continent, according to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service

France is planning "neocolonial coups" across Africa in an attempt to destabilize governments it deems "undesirable," particularly in the Sahel, where it has suffered major losses in recent years, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged.

Paris has lost its foothold in several former colonies amid a wave of anti-French sentiment driven by allegations of aggression, military failures, and interference. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all severed ties with France, expelling French troops and accusing the former colonial power of supporting armed groups fueling a deadly jihadist insurgency in the Sahel. France has said it will not recognize the legitimacy of the military governments in the three West African countries and vowed to support efforts to restore civilian authorities that were overthrown.

In a statement released by its press bureau on Monday, the SVR said the French government was "frantically exploring avenues for political revenge" in Africa in response to the military takeovers.

According to the agency, French President Emmanuel Macron has authorized his "special services to launch a plan to eliminate 'undesirable leaders' of African states." 

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The SVR also alleged French involvement in a failed coup attempt in Burkina Faso on January 3, saying the plot included plans to assassinate Burkinabe military leader Ibrahim Traore, whom it described as "one of the leaders in the fight against neocolonialism." 

The spy agency further accused Paris of attempting to destabilize Mali through attacks on fuel convoys and efforts to blockade cities, as well as seeking to sow unrest in the Central African Republic. It repeated longstanding accusations by Sahel states that France is "providing direct support to terrorists" and coordinating with Ukraine to supply militants with drones and instructors.

In Madagascar, the intel report said France was trying to overthrow interim President Michael Randrianirina, who took office in October 2025 following the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina.

The report comes days after Niger's transitional leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accused France and neighboring countries of sponsoring mercenaries behind an attack on the international airport in Niamey.

France has not responded to the latest allegations, but it has previously denied providing support to Islamist groups in the Sahel.