Africa

Niger blames France for failed military mutiny

Niger’s Council of Ministers concluded that the attack had been incited by a vast network of accomplices led by France, according to the statement.

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Newstimehub

5 Sep, 2026

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Niger has blamed France for inciting an attack on a key military airbase by mutinous soldiers last week, according to a government statement read on TV on Friday.

Mutinous soldiers in the West African country attacked the airport and the presidency in the capital, Niamey, on August 29.

Explosions and gunfire also rang out at a military airbase, but Niger’s army regained control over it.

The Council of Ministers on Friday concluded that the attack had been incited by a vast network of accomplices led by France, according to the statement.

“A substantial body of evidence has been compiled regarding this attack, and Niger reserves the right to bring the matter before international courts,” the government said in the statement.

The attack highlighted tensions within Niger’s armed forces.

Nigerien President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, blamed France and other West African countries for unrest in the capital earlier this year.