France Rejects Niger's 'Pure Fantasy' Claims of Instigating Failed Military Mutiny

France has strongly dismissed as "pure fantasy" allegations from Niger that Paris helped incite a recent mutiny, which saw soldiers storm a military airbase and the presidential palace in the capital of Niamey.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the remarks on Saturday, exactly a week after the August 29 assault and just a day after Niger’s ruling military council convened for the first time since the unrest to reiterate its accusations against France.

Soumana Boubacar, Niger’s government spokesperson, stated on television that the operation was instigated and sustained by a network of collusion headed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Boubacar claimed that traitorous elements were used to carry out unfulfilled ambitions, though he maintained that such undermining manoeuvres would ultimately fail.

In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told RFI radio that France never had any intention or means mobilized for such an operation. This exchange highlights the deepening rift in diplomatic ties, which have soured significantly since General Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power in a 2023 coup and shifted toward Russia for military support instead of France, Niger’s former colonial power.

The failed mutiny began at Base 101, a military facility located inside Niamey’s international airport, when soldiers turned on their commanders and opened fire across various sites in the city. The fighting eventually spread to the presidential palace, temporarily knocking the state broadcaster off the air before Niger’s army, backed by Russian paramilitary fighters known as Africa Corps, recaptured the base the following day.

According to state media, hundreds of soldiers participated in the mutiny, resulting in dozens of deaths and arrests. Niger's government subsequently expanded its blame beyond France, claiming through a broadcasted video featuring an air force captain that Benin, Chad, Ivory Coast, and the regional bloc ECOWAS also backed the attack. Benin's government swiftly rejected the allegation.

During the same meeting, Niger's government conceded for the first time that civilians had died during the violence. Analysts note that General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has not made a public appearance since the mutiny, frequently blames France and other West African states without providing evidence, a strategy believed to be aimed at shaping domestic public opinion.

Experts suggest the true driver of the mutiny lies in the frustration of front-line soldiers suffering heavy losses, as the pivot to Russia has failed to curb attacks by fighters linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). Tensions with Paris have been further exacerbated by Niger's seizure of uranium assets from the French nuclear firm Orano.