Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France and neighbouring Benin and Ivory Coast of backing an overnight attack on a military base at Niamey’s international airport, as authorities said security forces repelled the assault with support from “Russian partners.”
Speaking on state radio on Thursday, Tiani praised Nigerien troops for foiling the attack and directly blamed foreign powers for sponsoring what he described as mercenaries.
“We commend all the defence and security forces… as well as Russian partners who defended their security sector with professionalism,” Tiani said.
“We remind the sponsors of these mercenaries, notably Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon and Alassane Ouattara: we’ve heard them bark quite enough; now they should get ready to listen to us.”
The assault occurred shortly after midnight at Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts an air force base and is located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace. Residents reported gunfire and explosions for roughly an hour before calm was restored.
According to Niger’s defence ministry, four soldiers were injured during the attack, while 20 assailants were killed.
State television reported that a French national was among those killed, while 11 suspects were arrested. No Islamist militant group has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Defence Minister Salifou Modi said the confrontation lasted “about 30 minutes” before security forces launched a coordinated “air and ground response.”
Airport operations resumed later in the day, with authorities confirming that services at the international terminal had returned to normal.
Niger has faced persistent jihadist violence in recent years, particularly in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.
The country has been ruled by a military junta since July 2023, when General Tiani led a coup that ousted elected president Mohamed Bazoum.
Relations between Niger and its former colonial ruler, France, have deteriorated sharply since the takeover. The junta has repeatedly accused France and neighbouring Benin of attempting to destabilise the country—claims both governments have denied.
About the Author
