France rejects allegations of involvement in uprising in Niger

France's government has rejected allegations of involvement in an uprising in Niger. “These are pure fantasies,” said Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot about the allegations made by the Council of Ministers in Niger. France never had “the intention” of doing so. Nor were any “resources” mobilized to foment such a mutiny.

Last weekend, the junta in Niger crushed an uprising by mutinous soldiers with the help of Russia. The insurgents attacked the presidential palace and other targets in the capital Niamey. The headquarters of the Russian so-called Africa Corps is located at its airport.

State television in the West African country had hinted at French involvement without providing any evidence. The Council of Ministers also announced that the uprising had been incited by a large network led by France. France's Foreign Minister Barrot said these were "as usual" attempts to point the finger at France in order to assign a responsibility to Paris that "simply does not exist."

rapprochement with Russia

Niger was a French colony from 1922 to 1960. France had stationed so-called anti-terror units in the country until the end of 2023. However, after pressure from the ruling junta, they left the country. The Russian so-called Afrika Corps are gaining more and more influence.

Niger has been ruled by military ruler Abdourahmane Tiani since a coup in July 2023. The government in Niamey regularly accuses France of trying to destabilize Niger. France rejects this.