Niger Military Government Blames France for Failed August Mutiny

The military government of Niger has accused France and a network of foreign accomplices of orchestrating an attempted coup on August 29. According to reports, mutineers took control of several positions, including the Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101, where the Russian mercenary group Africa Corps is stationed. The soldiers also attempted to breach the perimeter of the fortified presidential palace before being suppressed after several hours of fighting. Some of the mutineers were killed or arrested.

In a televised statement, the Nigerien government claimed to have compiled a substantial body of evidence regarding the attack and stated that it reserves the right to bring the matter before international courts. A Nigerien army captain, Roger Gabriel, alleged that officers from Chad, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire, as well as associates of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, were involved. He further claimed that individuals from Belgium and the United Arab Emirates urged him to join the mutiny and that French soldiers were intended to arrive as reinforcements.

France has denied the allegations, describing them as pure fiction. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated there was neither the intent nor the means to carry out such an action. Additionally, Benin and Nigeria have rejected the claims that they supported the mutiny. Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiy, described the claims as false and mischievous.

This incident occurs amid deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonizer, as well as regional allies, since the military junta seized power in July 2023. The junta has since strengthened ties with Russia and formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso.