2023-08-09 17:48:03
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Niger’s military junta claims France sent fighter jets to invade the country. Photo/Reuters
DAKAR – Niger’s junta accused France on Wednesday (9-8-2023) of violating its airspace as part of a wider plot to destabilize the country. That ratcheted up the rhetoric in a way that left little hope for a speedy diplomatic resolution of the crisis in Niger.
France’s move was also seen as Paris’ readiness for military intervention or direct invasion of Niger to thwart a military coup. However, the French action was met with resistance from the Niger military junta.
The accusations of French military intervention by junta representative Amadou Abdramane, who did not provide evidence, come at a time of high tension. Moreover, West African heads of state will discuss options including military action against the junta at a summit on Thursday.
It also came hours after news emerged that a former rebel leader had launched a movement against the junta that seized power in a July 26 coup. It was the first sign of internal resistance to military rule in the strategically important Sahel nation.
Launch ReutersHowever, anti-French rhetoric has been a feature of other coups in the region over the past two years, including in Mali and Burkina Faso, whose military rulers have strongly backed the generals now in charge in Niamey.
This is not the first time Niger’s coup leaders have accused France of violating their airspace. Paris denies doing so. There was no immediate reaction from France on Wednesday to the junta’s latest statements.
The coup was sparked by internal politics, but has turned into an international drama. Moreover, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, the United Nations and Western countries are pressuring the junta to step down, while Mali and Burkina Faso have vowed to defend it.
(ahm)
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