The military junta of Niger has accused France of violating its airspace and releasing imprisoned terrorists.
The junta’s spokesman, Col. Amadou Abdramane, relayed these concerns on national television, mentioning a French aircraft’s alleged infringement, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He insinuated a deeper French plot to sow instability within Niger and further stated that French actions aim to “discredit” the interim government named the National Council for the Safeguard of the Country.
Highlighting an attack on the National Guard in the border region of Tillaberi, Abdramane asserted that France had released 16 terrorists behind the assault.
As a response to the mounting tensions, Niger’s government declared a heightened state of alert.
The CNSP further warned of serious incidents unfolding, pointing fingers at the French military.
Meanwhile, France, which has a longstanding military presence in the Sahel region for counterterrorism, has denied any wrongdoing.
