French Military Denies Intervention Claims After Niger Junta Warnings

Relations between France and Niger remain severely strained following accusations from a military junta official in Niamey, who publicly urged citizens to prepare for a conflict with France. The Sahel nation has been under military leadership since a coup in July 2023 and has frequently accused Paris of attempting to destabilize the country.

During a public meeting at a stadium in Niamey, General Amadou Ibro, chief of staff to junta leader General Aboudrahamane Tiani, claimed that France intended to wage war on Niger. Speaking before a crowd of young people, he asserted that mobilization was necessary and declared that the country was now entering a state of conflict with France.

In response to these statements, the French military firmly dismissed the allegations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces General Staff, stated that a French intervention in Niger is entirely out of the question. He characterized the junta's assertions as clear examples of informational warfare.

Paris previously withdrew its counter-terrorism troops from Niger by late 2023 following a prolonged diplomatic standoff with the military authorities, and French officials have consistently denied any plans to undermine the government in Niamey. However, the junta continues to level severe accusations against the European nation, blaming France for economic difficulties and historical resource exploitation.

Since the 2023 coup, Niger has severed formal ties with France and pursued a policy focused heavily on national sovereignty over raw materials. The military government nationalized Somaïr, a subsidiary of the French uranium giant Orano, which has prompted legal actions in response. Additionally, Niamey announced plans to market its uranium production internationally and pursue Orano over alleged environmental damages.

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