Niger's Military Council Accuses France of Airspace Violations and Destabilization

The military council in Niger accused France on Wednesday of violating the country's airspace, attacking an army camp, and releasing "terrorists" as part of a broader plan to destabilize Niger. Officer Abd Rahman stated in the announcement, "What we are witnessing is a plan to destabilize the country," accusing France of attempting to undermine the credibility of the military council among the people and creating a state of insecurity. For its part, France denied these accusations, indicating that the aircraft movements are part of a prior agreement with Niger's forces and that its troops stationed in Niger are there at the request of the legitimate authorities.