Niger Junta Accuses France of Airspace Violation
Escalating Allegations: Accusations of Airspace Breach and Destabilization Plot
Amid the aftermath of a recent coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum, the Niger junta accuses French troops, asserting they breached airspace and plotted to destabilize the West African nation.
Breaching Airspace Amid Rising Tensions
The accusation of airspace violation comes as tensions continue to rise following the military coup in Niger. The junta expressed its concern that a larger scheme might be underway to sow discord within the country, exacerbating an already fragile situation.
Colonel Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the junta, hinted at potential ulterior motives behind these actions. He suggested that the breach of airspace and alleged plot could be aimed at creating an atmosphere of generalized insecurity to discredit the caretaker government, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Country (CNSP).
Unsettling Accusations and Alarming Freed Terrorists
The junta further claimed that the French government had released 16 incarcerated terrorists, raising concerns about their intentions. The junta asserted that these freed individuals had planned an attack on the National Guard position. The attack targeted Niger’s National Guard position in the Tillaberi region, which shares borders with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin.
Heightened Alert and Concerns for Stability
The unsettling turn of events prompted authorities in Niger to declare a state of high alertness across the nation. The CNSP promptly alerted global and local communities about the “highly serious events underway in Niger,” linking them to the actions of the French military.
US Embassy Issues Security Alert
In response to the ongoing developments, the US Embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, issued a security alert to its citizens. The advisory urged US citizens to exercise caution, adhere to safety measures, and limit unnecessary movements within the region. The embassy recommended sheltering in place and avoiding specific areas due to the evolving situation.
As the accusations and tensions escalate, France, a former colonial power in Niger, is yet to respond to these serious allegations. The junta, on its mission to ensure stability, remains firm in its efforts to assert authority over the situation.
