Niger’s military government accused France, Benin and the Ivory Coast of sponsoring an attack on a Niamey airbase, while publicly thanking Russian troops for helping to repel it. General Abdourahamane Tiani made the allegations on state television but offered no evidence. Officials said the assault lasted about 30 minutes, leaving four soldiers wounded, 20 attackers killed and 11 people detained. The incident highlights Niger’s deepening ties with Russia and mounting tensions with former partners amid an ongoing Sahel insurgency.
Niger Junta Accuses France, Benin and Ivory Coast of Backing Niamey Airport Attack; Praises Russian Troops
A satellite image shows Niger's Diori Hamani International Airport and military bases after they came under attack, on January 29, 2026 [Handout/Vantor via Reuters]
Niger’s ruling military council has publicly accused France, Benin and the Ivory Coast of sponsoring an armed assault on a military base at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport, while thanking Russian forces stationed at the base for helping to repel the attack. The allegations were made on state television by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who led the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Allegations Without Evidence
On Thursday, Tiani named French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin’s Patrice Talon and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara as the alleged backers of the assault but presented no evidence to support the claims. As of the broadcast, France, Benin and Ivory Coast had not issued formal responses to the accusations.
Attack Details
The incident occurred late Wednesday into Thursday at the airbase about 10 km (six miles) from the presidential palace. Defence Minister Salifou Modi told state media the assault lasted "about 30 minutes" before an "air and ground response" was launched. The defence ministry reported four military personnel wounded, 20 attackers killed and 11 people detained. State television said a French national was among those killed, a detail not independently verified.
"We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar," Tiani said, underscoring the junta's increasingly hostile rhetoric toward France and neighbouring states he accuses of acting as French proxies.
Russia’s Role and Regional Context
Tiani publicly thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for "defending their sector," highlighting Niger's deepening military ties with Moscow. Russian forces and partners have provided support to Niger in its fight against an insurgency linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIL, although neither extremist group has claimed responsibility for this attack.
Political Background
General Tiani has ruled Niger since the July 2023 coup that removed the elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Niger is part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Mali and Burkina Faso, and the three countries have been battling a long-running insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions across the region.
What Remains Unclear
Key questions remain unanswered: no independent verification has been provided for the junta’s accusations; the identity and motives of all attackers have not been confirmed; and international reactions were still pending at the time of the report.
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