Failed Coup: Niger Accuses France and African Neighbours of Destabilisation Plot

Niger’s military authorities have broadened their accusations over last week’s failed coup attempt, alleging that France and several African countries were connected to the unrest.

The claims followed an attack by mutinous soldiers on strategic locations in Niamey on August 29.

The soldiers targeted Air Base 101, the presidential complex and the national broadcaster before loyalist forces regained control.

Niger’s government said the operation was allegedly sustained by a broad network of collaborators headed by France.

It said authorities had collected evidence and could take the case to international courts.

The government has not publicly established the allegations through an independent investigation, and the countries named have rejected the claims.

France has strongly denied any involvement.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Niger’s allegation was “pure fantasy”, arguing that France had neither the intention nor the means to organise such an operation.

Niger has also accused other African countries of involvement.

According to Al Jazeera, Nigerien state television aired a video in which an air force captain named Benin, Chad, Ivory Coast and ECOWAS as alleged backers of the attack.

Benin has rejected the accusation.

The claims come against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Niger and several Western and regional governments following the 2023 military coup.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have since moved closer to Russia and away from traditional Western security partners.

The latest mutiny also highlights growing pressure inside Niger’s armed forces.

Analysts say dissatisfaction over continuing jihadist attacks and military losses may have contributed to the attempted uprising.

The crisis therefore has both domestic and international dimensions, with Niger’s government portraying the failed coup as a foreign-backed operation while outside observers have also highlighted internal military grievances.

The competing explanations are likely to remain at the centre of diplomatic tensions across the Sahel.