Africa-Press. Relations between Côte d’Ivoire and Niger have taken a sharp turn following controversial remarks by the head of the military council in Niamey, General Abdourahamane Tiani. He accused Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara of involvement in the attack that targeted an air base in the Nigerien capital.
Air Base 101, located at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, was hit on 28 January 2026 by a large-scale attack claimed by the Islamic State group through its Amaq agency. During a visit to the site of the attack, General Tiani issued direct criticism of the leaders of France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, threatening them with a “strong response”.
In response to these accusations, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Nigerien ambassador to Abidjan the day before yesterday, Friday. Foreign Minister Kaba Nialé expressed a “strong condemnation” of what she described as undiplomatic statements amounting to a “serious insult” to President Ouattara. The ministry stressed that Côte d’Ivoire, while committed to dialogue, would not accept actions likely to “seriously damage” bilateral relations. Abidjan handed the ambassador an official note of protest, stating that it “reserves the right to take any further measures deemed necessary”.
This diplomatic tension comes at a time when the African Sahel is facing mounting security challenges, with disputes among regional states hampering coordination efforts to confront armed groups. Observers believe that the crisis between Abidjan and Niamey could further weaken regional security cooperation amid a surge in attacks by extremist organizations.
