Niger Blames France for Mutiny; Paris Denies

Niger's government has accused France of inciting a recent mutiny that targeted a military airbase and the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey. French officials have vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as "pure fantasy." The mutiny, which began on August 29, saw soldiers storm Base 101, a military facility within Niamey's international airport, and engage in armed confrontations that spread to the presidential palace. The state broadcaster was knocked off air for several hours during the unrest. Niger's army, supported by Russian paramilitary fighters, regained control of the base the following day. In a statement read on television on Friday, September 4, Niger's ruling military council reiterated its accusations against France, claiming the operation was instigated and sustained by a "vast network of collusion headed by the French regime." Soumana Boubacar, Niger's government spokesperson, alleged that "traitorous and renegade elements" were tasked with carrying out unfulfilled ambitions of French leadership.