Niger’s military junta has accused France of violating its airspace, attacking a military camp, and aiding “terrorists” as part of a larger scheme to destabilize the country. These allegations were swiftly denied by France. The junta’s claims came in a video statement by army officer Amadou Abdramane, though no concrete evidence was provided. This accusation has intensified tensions, coinciding with a crucial moment as West African leaders contemplate potential military action against the junta.

In the statement, Abdramane asserted that France’s actions were aimed at undermining the junta’s credibility among the people and creating an environment of insecurity. France’s foreign ministry, however, rejected these allegations, asserting that the aircraft movements were part of an existing agreement with Niger forces. France maintained that its troops stationed in Niger were present at the request of the legitimate authorities and denied any attack on a Nigerien military camp.

This is not the first instance of the Niger coup leaders accusing France of breaching their airspace. The party of Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, also criticized the junta for subjecting Bazoum and his family to harsh and inhumane conditions during their detention.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a former rebel leader, Rhissa Ag Boula, announced the formation of a Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR), aiming to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. This move marks the first sign of internal opposition to the junta’s rule. Ag Boula’s statement emphasized the need to prevent the military from denying the people of Niger their free choice, potentially escalating internal conflicts.

Niger, an essential player in global uranium production and oil extraction, has become embroiled in an international drama following the coup. The coup, triggered by internal political dynamics, has raised concerns about the potential for Russian influence to grow if Niger follows Mali’s example of expelling Western troops and inviting Russian mercenaries.

The junta’s refusal to engage with diplomatic efforts from African, U.S., and U.N. envoys has heightened tensions. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to convene to discuss the situation in Niger and consider the use of force to restore constitutional order. The CRR expressed its support for ECOWAS and other international actors working to end the junta’s rule.

The coup has led to border and airspace closures, impacting the supply of vital resources like medicine and food, exacerbating the challenges faced by one of the world’s poorest countries. Nigeria’s President and ECOWAS chairman, Bola Tinubu, imposed further sanctions on Niger to pressure those involved in the coup, maintaining that all options remain on the table.

As the situation unfolds, Niger’s accusations against France, internal resistance, and international efforts to restore constitutional order continue to shape the country’s path forward.

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