Overview
- At a Feb. 11 rally in Niamey, Gen. Amadou Ibro urged the public to prepare for “war with France” and said the country would now enter into war.
- The French armed forces spokesman, Col. Guillaume Vernet, said there is “no question” of a French intervention in Niger, describing the claims as information warfare.
- Video of Ibro’s speech circulated widely on social media, amplifying the junta’s mobilization message.
- Junta leader Gen. Aboudrahamane Tiani recently accused President Emmanuel Macron of sponsoring ISIS militants behind the late‑January attack on Niamey’s airport, an allegation France rejects.
- Economic tensions are intensifying: Niger has nationalized Orano subsidiary Somaïr, announced plans to sell uranium on international markets, Orano has launched legal actions, and about 1,000 tonnes of yellowcake were reported blocked at Niamey airport.