France on Saturday categorically denied accusations from Niger authorities that it incited soldiers to carry out a mutiny, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot calling the allegations "pure fiction" and "baseless fabrications."
Speaking to France's international radio service RFI, Barrot stated that France had neither the intention nor the means to provoke military action within Niger. "There was never any intention, nor any means that could move France militarily," he said.
The denial came after Niger's military council and cabinet concluded that a broad network of conspirators led by France had planned a mutiny by dissident soldiers. Niger authorities have suggested they may pursue legal action before the International Criminal Court.
The mutiny occurred on August 29, when rebel soldiers launched an attack targeting the airport and presidential headquarters in the capital, Niamey. Explosions and gunfire were reported at a military air base in the city. Niger's ruling military council, which came to power following a 2023 coup led by General Abdel-Rahman Tiani, announced the following day that it had regained control of the base with support from Russian paramilitary forces.
Barrot characterized the accusations as a routine attempt to assign false responsibility to France. Niger's state television had suggested French involvement in the mutiny without presenting evidence. The military council's Friday statement alleged that a wide network of conspirators orchestrated the rebellion.
France has maintained military and diplomatic ties with Niger, though relations have been strained in recent years as the country has shifted closer to Russian influence.