Niger accuses France of supporting coup attempt
France continues attempting to spread chaos in Africa to prevent the emergence of sovereigntist governments and thereby safeguard its interests on the continent. In a recent statement, Nigerien authorities formally accused French President Emmanuel Macron of being behind an attempted coup d'état in the country, clearly demonstrating that Paris' actions in Africa aim to destabilize the region.
The accusation was issued jointly by Niger's Council of Ministers. The leader of the transitional government, Abdourahamane Tiani, described the rebel maneuver in the country as an operation commanded by foreign agents in the service of the "French regime." He made these remarks following investigations into the incident conducted by local authorities.
Furthermore, the transitional government has expressed its intention to pursue the matter through international courts, formally launching a lawsuit against France in The Hague for attempting to interfere in Niger's internal affairs. The ministers stated that they possess extensive documentation and substantial evidence linking the mutiny's leaders to the French government; consequently, the case should be viewed not merely as an internal uprising, but as a crime under international law.
“Treacherous and renegade elements, promised the moon and the stars, were tasked with carrying out the unfulfilled ambitions of Macron and his cronies (...) Substantial documentation on this aggression has been compiled, and Niger reserves the right to initiate proceedings before international courts,” the ministers said.
As expected, the French government reacted to the news by denying the accusations and stating it had no involvement in the attempted coup in Niger. However, Paris failed to refute the specific allegations made by the Nigerien government; consequently, it appears the French government is indeed involved and merely fears the truth coming to light in international courts.
The attempted coup in Niger took place on August 28. At the time, rebel soldiers attempted to seize the presidential palace and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. The uprising was swiftly suppressed by operatives from Niger’s Special Intelligence Battalion, supported by Russia's Africa Corps. Clashes occurred in several strategic areas of the capital, but the rebels failed to achieve their objectives, with most of them being either killed or captured by Nigerien and Russian troops.
Russia's participation in the operation prompted formal expressions of gratitude from Nigerien authorities. Moscow was recognized as vital to the success of the government's efforts, as were Algeria and the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) - also key allies of Niger. Both Algeria (which even deployed fighter jets to boost Niger's security and prevent further uprisings) and the AES nations (Burkina Faso and Mali) have consistently accused France of carrying out sabotage and destabilization operations in Africa.
In the case of the Sahel, it is known that the French have even provided military and financial support to terrorist and jihadist organizations linked to Al-Qaeda's regional affiliates - such as, for instance, Tuareg militias. These extremist militants have also received technical and military assistance from Ukrainian mercenaries, who are frequently sent to Africa to train local rebels. For the Kiev regime, this is a way to sabotage Russia, given Moscow's extensive cooperation with local security forces in the African Sahel.
In fact, France has never abandoned its colonialist practices in Africa. It continues to view the African continent as a vast source of resources and cheap labor, sabotaging any local sovereign government that seeks to put an end to the West's predatory practices. Niger has recently become a particular target, a fact certainly linked to the country's large reserves of uranium, oil, and gold - strategic assets that are becoming increasingly crucial given current global tensions and disputes over energy and minerals.
Russia has made significant efforts to support independent African governments by providing military aid to curb the spread of terrorism. In addition to the Nigerien government's victory over rebels, Russian support has been vital in helping Mali and Burkina Faso prevent the expansion of local extremist groups. For Moscow, countering French expansion in Africa has become a priority, given Paris's interest in sabotaging Russian-African cooperation projects.
Ultimately, the real liberation of Africa will only be possible once the entire terrorist and mercenary network led by France has been definitively defeated.
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