Niger has accused neighbouring Chad of launching a deadly drone strike on its territory with French backing, killing two civilians, injuring several others and damaging vehicles in the northern Agadez region on October 24, according to a government statement broadcast on Monday.
“For several months, Chad has pursued a hostile approach towards our country and provided strategic depth to mercenaries who attack our populations as well as our strategic and energy infrastructure,” RTN journalist Abari Amitti Aboubacar read from the statement during a live broadcast.
Niamey claimed its security forces and judicial authorities had gathered physical and technical evidence linking the strike in the Emiloulou area to Chad, pledging to share its findings with international bodies.
The accusations follow an earlier diplomatic dispute in September, when a Nigerien army officer alleged that Chadian officers had backed a failed military mutiny in Niamey, with France also implicated. Chad denied the claims, and no verifiable evidence was made public.
Niger summoned Chad’s ambassador on October 27 and announced plans to raise the latest allegations with the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, while demanding an independent international investigation.
“However, let it be understood by all that restraint is not weakness. In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, our country reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its population, territory and vital interests,” the statement warned.
Chad firmly rejected the allegations, denying any involvement in the strike or cooperation with France. N’Djamena challenged Niger to make its evidence public and backed calls for an independent international investigation.
France has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
Source: Viory
