Niger’s military government has accused France of inciting last week’s attack on a key military airbase in Niamey, according to a statement issued after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The government said mutinous soldiers attacked the airport, the presidency and the airbase on 29 August. It claimed a network of accomplices led by France was responsible and said it had gathered evidence, adding it reserved the right to pursue the matter through international courts. No supporting evidence was made public.
Key developments:
- Niger’s army, supported by Russian paramilitary forces, said it regained control of the airbase the following day.
- The incident exposed continued strains within Niger’s armed forces as they confront a long-running jihadist insurgency.
- The accusations follow a January 2026 attack near Niamey International Airport, after which President Abdourahamane Tiani accused French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin’s President Patrice Talon and Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara of involvement
Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply since President Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in the 2023 coup.
Niger’s military authorities have ended defence cooperation with Paris, overseen the withdrawal of French forces, and taken action affecting French commercial interests while strengthening security ties with Russia.
France has consistently rejected allegations of involvement in efforts to destabilise Niger, leaving bilateral relations at their lowest point in decades.
ℹ️ Reuters
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