NIAMEY — A year ago, Niger charged France with the unilateral release of terrorist prisoners and unauthorized violation of its airspace, escalating tensions between the two nations. The allegations, detailed in a press release by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) on August 9, 2023, claim these actions were part of a strategy to destabilize Niger.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the released individuals were involved in planning an attack on military positions in the tri-border area, describing it as a calculated move to undermine the new authorities and foster a climate of insecurity to strip them of popular support. France has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that its military flights were coordinated with Nigerien authorities and that it did not release any terrorists. This controversy coincided with France’s suspension of military agreements with Niger, which Niger subsequently denounced, aligning with its pursuit of sovereignty and a new policy direction.