The Nigerien government accused Chad on Monday, October 26, of carrying out a drone strike two days earlier in the Agadez region, in northern Niger, with the support of France. According to the statement read on the public television channel Télé Sahel, two civilians were killed, several others injured, and vehicles damaged in the Émiloulou area.
Niamey announced the summoning of the Chadian ambassador to deliver an official protest. The Nigerien authorities also say they intend to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, while calling for the opening of an independent international investigation.
The alleged strike reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 24, around one o’clock in the morning. The government states that investigations conducted by the defense and security forces in collaboration with judicial authorities have made it possible to determine its origin based on consistent material and technical evidence.
These elements have not, however, been made public. The accusations against Chad and France could not be independently verified, according to the media outlets that reported the statement. Niamey assures that it will forward its evidence to the international bodies it intends to approach.
The Nigerien government describes the alleged acts as a violation of its sovereignty and holds Chad responsible for their consequences. It demands the cessation of all hostile actions and compensation for damages, while affirming that it does not seek confrontation with its neighbor.
The authorities also announced an increase in surveillance of the airspace and border areas. They invoke the right of self-defense provided for by the United Nations Charter and call on the population to remain calm and vigilant.
This accusation comes amid ongoing tensions between Niamey, N’Djamena, and Paris. In early September, the Nigerien government had already implicated France and mentioned a possible intervention from Chadian territory during an alleged attempt at destabilization. Chad and France, for their part, renewed their military cooperation on October 13 in Paris.
