The tone rose this Wednesday between the putschists in Niger and France, the day before an important ECOWAS summit. In a statement, the Nigerien junta accused France of having violated Nigerien airspace and of having freed terrorists, accusations formally denied by Paris.
Relations between the junta and France have been strained in recent days. The Nigerien junta has accused France of plotting to create security disorder in the country and of discrediting the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP). According to the junta, France would have unilaterally released 16 terrorist prisoners who would then have regrouped to prepare attacks in the area of the three borders.
The junta also blamed France for violating Nigerien airspace by carrying out an unauthorized flight. According to the junta, a French army plane entered Niger’s airspace without authorization and cut off all contact for more than four hours.
These accusations have been firmly denied by France. In a statement, the French Foreign and Defense Ministries said that the French soldiers present in Niger were there to fight against terrorist groups and that their presence was at the risk of their lives. France also claimed that the flight in question was authorized and coordinated with Nigerien forces.
Tensions between Niger’s junta and France come as ECOWAS prepares to hold an extraordinary summit to find a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Niger. The Nigerien authorities have decided to raise the level of alert throughout the territory in response to these tensions.
It is important to note that relations between France and its former colonies in Africa have always been complex, marked by periods of cooperation and friction. The current situation in Niger highlights the challenges facing African countries in their quest for political stability and development, as well as the stakes for foreign powers seeking to maintain their influence in the region.
It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what the long-term consequences will be for Niger and its relations with France and ECOWAS. In any case, it is imperative to find a peaceful solution and to guarantee the safety and well-being of the people of Niger