Niger’s Council of Ministers has accused France of leading a vast collusion network behind the August 28–29 destabilization attempt in Niamey, when rebel soldiers attacked the airport and the presidency.

Meeting under the chairmanship of General Abdourahamane Tiani, the council said the events had been orchestrated by elements of the Special Intelligence Battalion of the Special Operations Command (BSR-COS), especially at Air Base 101. Explosions and gunfire were also reported at the base, though the army, backed by Russian Africa Corps forces, regained control the following day.

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The government pointed specifically to what it called “the French regime of Mr. (Emmanuel) Macron,” accusing it of seeking to destabilize the country, challenge its sovereignty policy and regain control of its natural resources. Niamey also denounced the alleged role of certain African countries, describing them as “bridges to destabilizing actions” attributed to France.

The council said it has gathered substantial documentation on the attempt and warned that the government “reserves the right to bring actions before international justice.”

Nigerien authorities also presented a large military arsenal reportedly recovered after the clashes. The equipment included 34 pickups equipped with onboard weapons, two light armored vehicles, several dozen motorcycles, and a large stock of weapons and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, RPG-7 rocket launchers, PKM machine guns, and 12.7 and 14.5 mm caliber weapons. The government attributed the arsenal to BSR-COS elements involved in the attacks on Air Base 101 and other strategic sites.

The accusations echo testimony from Captain Roger Gabriel, commander of Niamey’s First Parachute Battalion, broadcast by Radio Télévision du Niger (RTN). Gabriel said a commander from Chad told him that both N’Djamena and Paris were preparing to intervene in favor of the mutineers. He added that relatives of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum also spoke of alleged support from Côte d’Ivoire for the soldiers.

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