Africa-Press. Niger’s ruling military council leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France of involvement in the attack on Niamey airport on 29 January, even though Islamic State in the Greater Sahara claimed responsibility the following day.
In an interview aired on state television, Tiani said the attack was part of a “malicious agenda to destabilize” the country, adding that his rise to power through the July 2023 coup had created “open hostility” with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Since the ouster of elected president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s authorities have adopted a sovereignty-focused narrative blaming Paris for backing armed groups active in the country for more than a decade. The military leadership accuses France of financing these groups, while Paris denies any interference and says it was at the forefront of efforts to fight armed groups in the Sahel before being forced out of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
After the airport attack, Tiani also accused Côte d’Ivoire and Benin—France’s regional allies—of supporting armed groups, which the three countries denied. He said the aim of the operation was to “destroy the army’s air capabilities,” but stressed that it failed.
Tiani further said Russian forces helped Niger’s army repel the assault, adding that the operation was meant to be followed by seven simultaneous attacks in the Tillabéri region in western Niger, where armed groups have operated for years. He acknowledged a “security gap” at the airport, but said the forces “repelled the attack bravely.”
In response, French military spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet described Tiani’s remarks as “information warfare,” denying any intention of military intervention in Niger.
Uranium dispute
Tensions with Paris are not limited to security. They also extend to natural resources. Niger’s authorities announced the nationalization of Somair, a company linked to French uranium giant Orano, prompting the company to file lawsuits.
In his latest remarks, Tiani said he was ready to hand France its share of uranium produced before he took power, but insisted that “everything produced after that belongs to Niger and will remain so.” Around 1,000 tonnes of “yellowcake” (uranium concentrate) are reportedly stuck at Niamey airport for weeks, pending a decision on their fate.
