Niger’s government has accused France of instigating a mutiny in which soldiers attacked strategic sites in the capital, Niamey, including a key military airbase.
The allegation appeared in a government statement read on national television on Friday, following a Council of Ministers meeting.
Mutinous troops attacked the airport and presidency on August 29, posing a fresh challenge to Abdourahamane Tiani, who took power in a 2023 coup.
Explosions and gunfire were also reported at a military airbase. Niger’s armed forces, supported by Russian paramilitary units, regained control of the facility the following day.
The government alleged that an extensive network of accomplices led by France had instigated the attack. It said authorities had gathered evidence and could pursue the case before international courts.
The statement, as reported, did not detail the evidence underpinning the accusation.
The unrest exposed strains within Niger’s military, which has suffered repeated battlefield defeats in its campaign against a jihadist insurgency.
Tiani previously accused France and other West African countries of fuelling unrest in Niamey earlier this year, without presenting evidence.
