Niger’s military government has accused France of orchestrating a failed military mutiny that shook the capital, Niamey, last week, further highlighting the strained relations between the two countries. The accusation was made after renegade soldiers launched an operation targeting Base 101, a major military facility located within the international airport complex in Niamey, shortly after midnight on August 29, 2026. Authorities said the mutineers detained some of their fellow soldiers and opened fire at several sensitive locations across the capital. The fighting later spread towards the p

Niger’s military government has accused France of orchestrating a failed military mutiny that shook the capital, Niamey, last week, further highlighting the strained relations between the two countries. The accusation was made after renegade soldiers launched an operation targeting Base 101, a major military facility located within the international airport complex in Niamey, shortly after midnight on August 29, 2026. Authorities said the mutineers detained some of their fellow soldiers and opened fire at several sensitive locations across the capital. The fighting later spread towards the presidential palace, while the state broadcaster was temporarily taken off air. Gunfire and explosions were heard across parts of Niamey for several hours before government forces managed to contain the uprising. Niger’s state media reported that hundreds of soldiers were involved, with dozens reportedly killed or arrested during the clashes. Government forces were assisted by members of Russia’s Africa Corps, which has become an important security partner for Niger following the deterioration of relations with Western countries. Following the failed mutiny, Niger’s military authorities accused France of being behind the attempted uprising. The accusation comes amid years of deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power. France previously maintained a significant military presence in Niger as part of regional efforts to fight armed groups, but relations deteriorated sharply after the military seized power in 2023. France has strongly denied the allegations, saying it had no involvement in the attempted mutiny. The dispute reflects the wider geopolitical shift in Niger, where the military government has moved away from traditional Western partners and strengthened security ties with Russia. The failed mutiny comes three years after General Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power in a 2023 coup that removed democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Tchiani and his allies justified the takeover by accusing the previous government of failing to tackle armed groups and worsening insecurity. Despite the change in leadership, Niger continues to face serious security and economic challenges, including attacks by armed groups operating across the wider Sahel region. The latest mutiny and the accusations against France are likely to further complicate Niger’s already tense relations with Western powers, while highlighting the military government’s growing reliance on new international partners.

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