Niamey—Niger has accused France of orchestrating and inciting an attack by mutinous soldiers on key military and government installations in the capital, Niamey, escalating tensions between the West African junta and its former colonial power.
The accusation was contained in a government statement read on national television on Friday, following a Council of Ministers meeting that reviewed the Aug. 29 attack.
Mutinous soldiers targeted the airport and the presidency in Niamey, in the latest challenge to the authority of Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 military coup.
Explosions and gunfire were also reported at a military airbase. Niger’s army, supported by Russian paramilitary forces, regained control of the facility the following day.
France Accused of Leading Network
According to the government statement, the Council of Ministers concluded that the attack was incited by what it described as a “vast network of accomplices led by France.”
Niger said it had compiled evidence relating to the incident and warned that it could take the matter to international courts.
The government did not publicly provide details of the evidence supporting the allegation. France has previously rejected accusations from Niger’s military authorities regarding interference in the country.
The latest accusation adds to a sharp deterioration in relations between Niamey and Paris since the 2023 coup. Niger’s military rulers have pushed France out of the country while deepening security and political ties with Russia.
Growing Pressure on Niger’s Military
The mutiny also exposes internal pressures facing Niger’s armed forces as they continue to battle jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
The military has suffered repeated battlefield losses despite efforts to strengthen its security partnerships following the withdrawal of French forces.
Tiani has previously blamed France and other West African countries for unrest in Niamey earlier this year, although the government has not publicly presented evidence supporting those claims.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Niger newsroom
Writing: Anait Miridzhanian
Editing: Tom Hogue
