Niger blames France and ECOWAS for failed Niamey mutiny

Niger’s military government has accused France, ECOWAS and other regional countries of supporting a failed mutiny that began at Base 101 in Niamey’s international airport complex on 29 August.

The authorities said hundreds of soldiers took part in the uprising, which spread to sensitive sites, the presidential palace and the state broadcaster. Dozens were reportedly killed or arrested, although precise figures have not been independently established.

Niger said the unrest was contained with assistance from Russia’s Africa Corps, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali and other regional allies. The Council of Ministers said it had compiled substantial evidence and reserved the right to take the matter to international courts, but provided no details.

France rejected the allegations as “pure fantasy”. Benin, also named by Niger, denied involvement. The competing claims have not been independently substantiated in the material available.

Relations between Niamey and Paris have deteriorated since the 2023 coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power. Niger subsequently ordered the withdrawal of about 1,500 French troops, expelled France’s ambassador, revoked bilateral military agreements and suspended French state-funded broadcasters.

The mutiny adds pressure to a security system already facing persistent jihadist threats. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project said nearly 6,000 people had been killed in more than 1,400 violent incidents in Niger since the coup.