In Niger, the French military is suspected of planning and conducting an attack on positions of the Nigerien army. In a statement dated Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP) described the events.
The junta suspects France of engaging in acts that threaten security. According to the spokesperson for the coup leaders, French military personnel present in Niger have engaged in dubious actions. “Today, August 9, 2023, around 6:30 am, the National Guard position in Bourkou Bourkou, 30 kilometers from the Samira proliferation site, was attacked,” he stated. “At this moment, the casualties are not yet established.”
In their statement No. 25, the military in power indicated that these events are of “extreme seriousness” and are “due to the behavior of the French forces and their accomplices.”
Colonel-Major Amadou Adrahamane stated that “through direct communication with the Western powers, the behavior of the French forces was criticized for unilaterally releasing imprisoned terrorist elements.” This action is believed to be aimed at conducting “attacks against the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) in the three-border area.”
Second serious accusation against France Following the coup against Mohamed Bazoum, the junta quickly responded to France’s position, which denounced and condemned the takeover. Subsequently, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP), led by General Tiani, accused France of planning a military aggression against Niger. They even claimed that two individuals close to Mohamed Bazoum had granted authorizations for this.
French authorities swiftly refuted the information provided by the junta’s spokesperson. Now, they are facing another serious accusation, to which they will likely respond again.
Denouncement of military agreements between Niger and France Just a few days ago, the junta denounced the existing military agreements between France and Niger. In response, France opposed any plans to repatriate the 1500 soldiers currently stationed in Niger. France maintained that the junta is not authorized to question Niger’s signature on the agreements.
