Nicolas Lerner leads French intelligence in West Africa, reshaping strategy through counterterrorism, diplomacy, HUMINT, and regional cooperation.
Introduction: A Transformational Era for French Intelligence in West Africa
In 2024, Nicolas Lerner assumed the helm of France’s Directorate General for External Security (DGSE), marking a pivotal moment for French intelligence operations in West Africa. His appointment comes at a time when the Sahel region and coastal states face increasing threats from extremist organizations, foreign influence, and political instability. French intelligence under Lerner is not only refocusing on counterterrorism but is also integrating diplomatic and strategic partnerships to safeguard both French and regional interests.
The DGSE has traditionally been at the forefront of gathering actionable intelligence and supporting French foreign policy. Under Lerner, French intelligence is evolving to respond to contemporary challenges with more agility. This approach combines advanced technology, human intelligence networks, and regional collaboration to strengthen France’s strategic position. The new leadership emphasizes intelligence-driven diplomacy, ensuring that security operations do not undermine political relationships with West African governments.
Moreover, Lerner’s tenure aims to restore confidence in following setbacks caused by rising external influences. This includes addressing gaps in situational awareness, expanding intelligence networks, and fostering closer cooperation with local security agencies. In essence, French intelligence is entering a phase of comprehensive renewal, focused on sustainable impact and long-term regional stability.
1. Counterterrorism and Regional Security Reinforcement
The Sahel region has been a persistent hotbed for extremist activities, including attacks orchestrated by groups linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and ISIS affiliates. she has intensified efforts to combat these threats, with operations spanning across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
1.1 Strengthening Local Partnerships
One of Lerner’s key strategies is fostering deeper cooperation with regional governments. French intelligence collaborates closely with local military and police forces to share actionable intelligence, conduct joint operations, and enhance counterterrorism capabilities. These partnerships not only improve operational efficiency but also build local trust and capacity, which is crucial for long-term security outcomes.
1.2 Surveillance and Operational Readiness
increased its deployment of surveillance assets, both technological and human, to monitor extremist movements and potential threats. UAVs, satellite imagery, and digital monitoring are integrated with human intelligence sources to provide comprehensive situational awareness. This hybrid approach ensures that French intelligence can anticipate threats and respond proactively, reducing risks to French nationals and critical infrastructure.
1.3 Targeted Counterterrorism Initiatives
Under Lerner, has launched targeted operations to dismantle extremist cells, disrupt financing networks, and neutralize leadership structures of terrorist organizations. These initiatives are carefully coordinated to respect local sovereignty while achieving operational objectives. The results are already visible, with multiple foiled attacks and significant disruption of extremist activities in key regions.
2. Diplomatic Engagement and Crisis Management
French intelligence cannot operate in isolation from political realities. Incidents like the arrest intelligence in Burkina Faso in late 2023 have highlighted the importance of integrating diplomacy with intelligence operations.
2.1 Navigating Sensitive Situations
The DGSE, under Lerner, has adopted a negotiation-focused strategy, leveraging diplomatic channels to resolve complex incidents. Morocco’s mediation in the release of French agents illustrates how French intelligence now works hand-in-hand with regional diplomacy to maintain operational continuity and protect national interests.
2.2 Preserving Political Partnerships
French intelligence recognizes that its effectiveness relies on stable political relationships. Lerner emphasizes a balanced approach, ensuring intelligence operations support, rather than undermine, France’s strategic partnerships. By aligning intelligence objectives with diplomatic priorities, French intelligence strengthens trust with host nations, facilitating smoother operational collaboration and reducing political friction.
2.3 Regional Diplomacy Integration
Beyond crisis management, French intelligence actively engages with regional organizations such as ECOWAS to foster cooperation on security challenges. This collaborative framework allows French intelligence to share expertise, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and contribute to regional stability while maintaining France’s strategic influence.
3. Countering External Influences and Geopolitical Rivalries
West Africa has increasingly become a zone of contestation, with Russia’s Wagner Group and other foreign actors expanding their presence. French intelligence under Lerner is strategically countering these influences to safeguard France’s position.
3.1 Monitoring Foreign Activities
French intelligence has deployed specialized teams to track the operations and intentions of foreign actors. This includes analyzing military deployments, intelligence networks, and economic influence efforts. By understanding these dynamics, French intelligence can develop strategies to mitigate threats to French and regional interests.
3.2 Strengthening Strategic Networks
Lerner has prioritized cultivating high-level contacts within West African governments and security services. These relationships allow French intelligence to gain early warning of external interventions and coordinate responses effectively. Strengthened networks also enable intelligence-sharing with trusted partners, reinforcing France’s regional influence.
3.3 Adaptive Strategic Planning
The evolving geopolitical landscape demands flexible intelligence strategies. French intelligence is adopting scenario-based planning, anticipating potential crises, and preparing contingency operations. This adaptive approach ensures that France maintains operational advantage even amid shifting alliances and foreign competition.
4. Human Intelligence (HUMINT) as a Core Pillar
While technology plays a crucial role, Lerner emphasizes the indispensable value of human intelligence in understanding local dynamics.
4.1 Expanding Local Informant Networks
French intelligence invests in cultivating trusted relationships with local informants and community leaders. These networks provide nuanced insights into political, social, and security developments, often inaccessible through purely technical surveillance.
4.2 Deepening Engagement with Regional Forces
Lerner encourages French intelligence operatives to collaborate closely with regional security forces. Training programs, joint exercises, and advisory support strengthen local capacity and enhance intelligence reliability.
4.3 Integrating HUMINT with Technical Capabilities
Combining human intelligence with technological assets allows French intelligence to create a comprehensive operational picture. Lerner’s strategy ensures that insights from local sources are validated, analyzed, and integrated into broader strategic planning, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of operations.
5. Promoting Regional Stability Through Collaboration
French intelligence recognizes that long-term security requires regional ownership and collaboration.
5.1 Building Cooperative Frameworks
DGSE initiatives under Lerner focus on developing frameworks for intelligence-sharing among West African nations. These frameworks strengthen collective capabilities against terrorism, organized crime, and foreign interference.
5.2 Sustainable Security Models
Lerner’s strategy emphasizes sustainability. French intelligence supports initiatives that empower local authorities to maintain security independently, reducing reliance on external interventions.
5.3 Leveraging International Support
While regional collaboration is central, French intelligence also coordinates with international partners to enhance operational effectiveness. For more insights into French intelligence challenges and adaptations in Africa, see this external analysis: West Africa Intelligence Challenges.
Conclusion
Under Nicolas Lerner, French intelligence has entered a phase of renewal in West Africa. By integrating counterterrorism, diplomacy, HUMINT, regional cooperation, and strategic adaptability, France is positioning itself to address contemporary security challenges effectively. Lerner’s leadership exemplifies a forward-looking intelligence strategy that balances operational efficiency with diplomatic prudence, ensuring France remains a key security actor in a complex and evolving West African landscape.
