Why it matters:
Niger’s military government is escalating its rhetoric against Western and regional actors following a major militant attack in the capital, deepening geopolitical tensions in West Africa.
What happened:
The accusations came after an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.
Niger’s army said it killed at least 20 attackers, including one French national.
What Niger is saying:
Officials claim the militants were backed by foreign powers hostile to Niger’s current leadership.
Civil society figures praised the military’s rapid response and called for national unity.
On the ground:
Witnesses reported gunfire and explosions near the airport before security forces regained control.
Community leaders said the population is ready to support the army to prevent the country from falling to militant groups.
The big picture:
Niger’s junta has increasingly aligned itself against Western influence and emphasized sovereignty over natural resources.
The government has also highlighted cooperation with Russia as part of its security strategy.
The bottom line:
The airport attack and Niger’s accusations against France and its regional allies signal a sharper break with the West, and a more confrontational phase in the Sahel’s security crisis.
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
