Niger Accuses France of Involvement in Attempt to Destabilize the Country

The Nigerien government has implicated France in an attempt to destabilize the country, stating it has compiled “substantial documentation” regarding this “aggression” and reserves the right to pursue legal action before international courts.

Chaired by the President of the Republic of Niger, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, the Council of Ministers examined the situation arising from the destabilization attempt orchestrated on the night of August 28–29 by elements of the Special Intelligence Battalion of the Special Operations Command, specifically at Base 101 in Niamey.

In its statement, the government asserted that the operation has “international ramifications” and directly implicates France.

“Niger is not waging war against any country and harbors no such intention. In this regard, substantial documentation has been compiled regarding this aggression, and Niger reserves the right to take action before international justice,” the statement read.

The Nigerien government further maintained that “this operation with international ramifications was incited and sustained by a vast network of collusion led by the French regime of Mr. Macron.” It added that “these treacherous and renegade elements, who were promised wonders, were tasked with fulfilling the unfulfilled designs of Macron and his accomplices in our country.”

According to the same communiqué, this attempt is “a continuation of all previous efforts aimed at undermining our people’s stated will in their resolute march toward sovereignty and control over our natural resources.”

The government also estimated that this action “further reveals the duplicity shown by some of our African brothers who are quick to serve as conduits for the destabilizing actions of the French regime,” referring to regional regimes known for their complicity.

Faced with these maneuvers, the Nigerien authorities assured that “these undermining tactics will always fail, thanks to the determination and unwavering commitment of our defense and security forces and the entire Nigerien people.”

The Council of Ministers also welcomed “the mobilization of all social forces and the patriotic spirit shown in support of the heroic actions of the defense and security forces, spearheaded by the Presidential Guard.”

Regarding international solidarity, the Nigerien authorities expressed their “gratitude to friendly countries,” specifically citing the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Algeria, and other nations, for having “demonstrated, from the beginning of the events, their solidarity toward the Nigerien people and their institutions.”