Niger’s military-led government has accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing an attack on a military base near Niamey’s international airport, while praising support from its “Russian partners”.
Speaking on state television, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who led Niger’s July 2023 coup, blamed Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon, and Alassane Ouattara. No evidence was provided.
The claims followed an assault on the airbase at Diori Hamani International Airport, around 10km from the presidential palace.
Key details
• Salifou Modi said the attack lasted about 30 minutes before air and ground responses
• Four soldiers were injured; 20 attackers were killed, according to authorities
• Eleven arrests were made; state media reported one French national among the dead
Tiani also thanked Russian troops stationed at the base, underlining Niger’s deepening ties with Moscow. No armed group has claimed responsibility.
Niger remains aligned with Mali and Burkina Faso through the Alliance of Sahel States, amid a persistent insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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