Niger’s government says France was behind last week’s mutiny that targeted the airport, the presidency, and a key military airbase in Niamey.
According to a statement read on state TV on Friday, the Council of Ministers concluded that the August 29 attack was pushed forward by “a vast network of accomplices led by France.”
Mutinous soldiers stormed the airport and the presidential complex in the capital on August 29. Gunfire and explosions were also reported at a nearby military airbase. The army, with support from Russian paramilitary forces, said it regained control of the base the following day.
The government said it has compiled “a substantial body of evidence” on the attack and reserves the right to take the case to international courts.
The incident is the latest challenge to the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani, who came to power in a 2023 coup. Officials also pointed to growing strain inside the armed forces, which have taken repeated losses while battling a jihadist insurgency in the region.
This is not the first time Tiani has pointed to France and other West African countries for unrest in Niamey. Earlier this year he made similar claims without presenting evidence.
