Niger: Captain Accuses Several Countries of Supporting Late-August Mutiny

Niger’s military authorities broadcast the testimony of Captain Roger Gabriel on state television on 2 September, following the mutiny that took place in Niamey on the night of 28-29 August. The officer accused several foreign and regional actors of supporting what he described as an attempt to destabilise the country.

According to his account, insurgents from the Security and Intelligence Battalion of the Nigerien Special Operations Command contacted him before taking action to seek his support. He said he refused. He also referred to an exchange with an associate of former president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since the 2023 coup.

Accusations targeting several states

The captain accused Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad and France, as well as ECOWAS and associates of Mohamed Bazoum. He notably claimed that Benin and Côte d’Ivoire had received the regional organisation’s approval to intervene in support of the insurgents.

He also said he was contacted by a Chadian soldier, who allegedly asked him about the situation in Niamey before referring, according to him, to an operation launched from Chad with the alleged involvement of the authorities and French special forces.

No public evidence presented

These claims were made without any evidence being made public. Junta officials, including General Abdourahamane Tiani, have not publicly commented on the testimony. The authorities had previously described the events of 28 and 29 August as a “show of discontent”.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby posted a verse from the Quran on social media calling for falsehood not to be confused with truth, without naming Niger or its authorities.

The clashes pitted rebel soldiers, mainly from the special forces, against the presidential guard, backed by the Russian Africa Corps forces. No official casualty toll from the violence had been released.