Military authorities: France breached Nigerien airspace

The military government of Niger has accused France of violating its airspace and releasing terrorists with the intent to destabilize the country and undermine the new leadership following a recent coup. The military coup organizers claim that France released dangerous militants to orchestrate an attack on a military installation. France denies these allegations and asserts that it entered Niger legally and has no ties to terrorist organizations.

Niger’s army commander, Amadou Abdramane, stated on national television that a French military plane had unlawfully entered Nigerien airspace, which had been closed by the coup leaders. He also claimed that French soldiers had freed militants from jail to carry out an attack. The French Foreign Ministry refuted these claims, stating that no terrorists were released, no attack occurred, and the French aircraft entered the airspace as per an agreement with Niger’s former administration.

The coup resulted in the overthrow and imprisonment of President Mohamed Bazoum, with a military administration taking control. The new government suspended various military and trade agreements with France and received support pledges from neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali.

The Sahel region has seen discontent with France’s counterinsurgency campaign, leading to military administrations in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Despite French troops no longer being stationed in Mali or Burkina Faso, they maintain a presence in Niger, where the US also operates a significant drone base.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by Nigeria, threatened military action against Niger’s new leaders but took no action when the ultimatum to reinstate Bazoum was ignored. The US and EU halted foreign aid to Niger, and penalties are reportedly being considered in Brussels.

Despite the unmet ultimatum, ECOWAS is reportedly still considering intervention, with Nigeria offering to contribute a substantial portion of the required forces for such an operation. The coup leaders have warned of using lethal force against any Western or ECOWAS military intervention.