Niger military accuses France of orchestrating failed mutiny: What to know

France denied any involvement in the events in its former colony, but the accusation indicates that tensions between them remain high.

1. list 1 of 3Niger displays arsenal seized after failed military mutiny.
2. list 2 of 3Niger accuses France of orchestrating failed military mutiny.
3. list 3 of 3France denies Niger’s accusation it orchestrated failed military mutiny.
4. Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights.
5. Niger military accuses France of orchestrating failed mutiny: What to know | News | Al Jazeera Skip linksSkip to Contentplay Live Sign upShow navigation menuNavigation menu.

Pouco depois da meia-noite de 29 de agosto, soldados renegados atacaram a Base 101, uma importante instalação militar dentro do complexo do aeroporto internacional de Niamey.

Authorities said the mutineers detained some of their comrades and opened fire at “certain sensitive sites” in the capital.

Os combates se espalharam pelo palácio presidencial e derrubaram temporariamente a emissora estatal, com explosões e tiros ecoando ao redor de Niamey por horas, até que o exército do Níger, auxiliado por combatentes paramilitares russos conhecidos como Africa Corps, contiveram a rebelião.

State media said hundreds of soldiers took part, with dozens killed or arrested.

A revolta aconteceu três anos depois que Abdourahamane Tchiani assumiu o poder em um golpe que depôs o presidente Mohamed Bazoum, dizendo que o governo eleito havia falhado em conter os grupos armados.

However, violent unrest has persisted, while governance grievances and economic challenges remain.

What has Niger’s military government said.

Como nas rodadas anteriores de agitação, as autoridades militares do Níger culparam a França e outros países da África Ocidental.

The Niger Council of Ministers, which functions as the cabinet since the 2023 coup, said a “substantial body of evidence has been compiled regarding this attack and Niger reserves the right to ⁠⁠bring the matter before international courts”.

Niger also accused a number of regional countries of being involved, including the regional economic bloc ECOWAS. Benin’s government, one of the countries accused, rejected the accusations.

In contrast, Niger thanked Russia, Algeria and allies in the Sahel region – Burkina Faso and Mali – for their support.

France dismissed the allegations as “pure fantasy”.

As tensões entre os dois países aumentaram após o golpe de 2023.

Niger has since ordered the withdrawal of about 1,500 French troops, expelled the French ambassador, revoked a number of bilateral military agreements and suspended French state-funded stations, such as France 24 and RFI, from broadcasting there.

Is Niger’s security situation worsening.

Henri Nsaibia, West Africa senior analyst at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), said the Nigerien armed forces’ fight against armed groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda could be weakened following the mutiny.

Niger’s security situation is facing several challenges.

Desde o golpe de 2023, quase 6. 000 pessoas foram mortas em mais de 1. 400 incidentes violentos, segundo ACLED. As baixas representam um aumento acentuado em comparação com os três anos anteriores à ascensão de Tchiani ao poder, quando quase 3.

200 pessoas foram mortas em mais de 1. 300 incidentes violentos.

What’s the history of French colonialism in Niger.

France’s influence has dropped dramatically throughout its former colonies in West Africa in recent years in the wake of failed military interventions and allegations of interference.

The rise in anti-French sentiment has helped coup leaders in a number of countries claim legitimacy, including in Niger, where France has a long history of brutality.

France’s 1899 military campaign in Niger is still remembered for its intense violence, mass executions and destruction of towns and villages.

Niger became part of France’s colonial empire the following year and gained independence in 1960, but Paris still meddled in its internal politics and economic policies.

In recent years, discussions about potential reparations as compensation for the looting and extraction of the country’s resources during and after French rule have intensified.

Advertisement ConnectConnectShow more Our ChannelsOur ChannelsShow more Our NetworkOur NetworkShow more Follow Al Jazeera English.