Niger Accuses France of Involvement in Failed Coup Attempt

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Niger has accused France of inciting military plotters to attack the presidential palace and the country’s main airbase. The accusation was made public by Nigerien officials who released a government statement condemning Paris’s alleged role in the foiled coup effort. This development marks a significant escalation in the tensions between Niger and its former colonial power.

The coup plotters launched their assault on August 29th, targeting the airport and the presidential compound in the capital, Niamey. This event represented the latest challenge to the rule of Omar Abdourahamane Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup. Explosions and gunfire were reported at an airbase during the incident.

However, the Nigerien army, reportedly with the support of Russian paramilitary forces, regained control of the country the following day. In its official statement, the Nigerien government asserted that an extensive network of putschists, led by France, was the instigator of the recent attack.

The statement further added, “We have gathered a significant volume of evidence regarding this attack, and Niger reserves its right to refer this matter to international courts.” This is not the first time Tchiani has leveled accusations against France; he previously implicated Paris and other West African nations in disturbances that occurred in the capital earlier this year.