Niamey, Niger – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denied on Saturday allegations of his country’s involvement in the military movement witnessed in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, on August 28 and 29, confirming that Paris did not participate in supporting or inciting the mutinous soldiers, according to statements reported by Middle East Online from his interview with RFI. Barrot described the accusations leveled against France as “completely fabricated,” asserting that his country had no intention of inciting a rebellion in Niger and used none of its capabilities to achieve such a goal.
France Rejects Interference Accusations
The French Foreign Minister stated that the accusations fall within attempts, as he described them, to hold France responsible for events it has no connection to, emphasizing that Paris did not support the military movement in any form. These statements follow accusations launched by authorities in Niger regarding a French role in the action that targeted key military and government sites in the capital.
Gunfire and Explosions in Niamey
During the night of August 28 and 29, the Nigerien capital witnessed heavy gunfire and explosions around Diori Hamani International Airport and the Presidential Palace. Reports indicated that a group of soldiers at Air Base 101 attempted to detain several of their colleagues and opened fire on strategic locations in the capital, before the Nigerien Ministry of Defense announced it had regained control over the military action. The events resulted in the deaths of 5 people, including 3 members of the Presidential Guard, according to information in the report.
Accusations Against Foreign Nations
Nigerien Captain Roger Gabriel had accused foreign countries, including France, of involvement in supporting the military movement—accusations Paris categorically denied. The crisis comes amid deteriorating relations between Niger and France since the military authorities took power, alongside Niamey’s shift toward strengthening its security ties with Russia.
