Niger has accused Chad and France of involvement in a drone strike on its territory that killed two civilians and injured others, escalating tensions between Niamey and N’Djamena.
In a statement broadcast on national television on Monday, October 26, the Nigerien government said the attack was launched from Chadian territory with France’s support.
The strike occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on October 24 in the Emi Lulu area of the Agadez region, near Niger’s border with Algeria. Niger described the incident as an act of aggression and a violation of its national sovereignty. It has summoned Chad’s ambassador to lodge a formal protest. The Government also announced plans to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.
It is calling for an independent international investigation into the incident and has urged its partners to show solidarity with Niger. The accusations come amid worsening relations between Niger and Chad. In September, Nigerien state television accused N’Djamena of involvement in a reported mutiny, while Prime Minister Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine alleged at the United Nations that Chad and France were preparing an attack along Niger’s borders.
Chad has not officially responded to the latest allegations. N’Djamena is currently conducting air operations against the Miski Self-Defence Committee in the Tibesti region, near the Nigerien border.