France denies inciting failed Niger mutiny, calls accusation 'pure fantasy'
A week after an attack on a military base, Niger's government has widened its blame to unnamed neighbouring countries, while France denies any involvement in the failed mutiny.
Niger's government has broadened its account of who may have been behind a recent attempt to stage a military mutiny in the country. The incident took place about a week ago, when an assault was carried out on one of the country's military bases, though the attempt failed.
While earlier government statements on the episode were more cautious, Niger's officials are now suggesting that unnamed neighbouring countries could also be behind the attack. No specific countries have been named publicly, nor has evidence been presented to support the claim.
France's response
France has firmly rejected any suggestion that it was involved in the attack. French officials described the accusation of inciting or contributing to the mutiny as "pure fantasy," stressing that such claims have no real basis.
It remains unclear whether Niger's leadership intends to bring formal accusations against specific neighbouring states or whether the investigation will continue without publicly identifying those it holds responsible. No further details have been provided on how the assault on the military base was repelled or what its broader consequences were.
