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Jean-Noel Barrot Dismisses Niger's Claims of French Involvement in Failed Military Mutiny

France has dismissed Niger's accusations that Paris helped instigate a military mutiny in the capital, Niamey. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the claims as "pure fantasy," stating that France had neither the intention nor the means to mobilize for such an operation. This exchange follows a mutiny that began at Base 101, where soldiers turned on their commanders and attacked the presidential palace and state broadcaster. Niger's ruling military council, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, accused the French regime of leading a network of collusion to undermine the country's sovereignty. However, Niger has increasingly relied on Russia's Africa Corps for security. Russian forces helped the Nigerien loyalist forces retake the base, and Russia's ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropaev, acknowledged the intervention. Additionally, Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent four fighter jets to support the presidential guard, signaling a shift in regional dynamics. While the mutiny was suppressed, it highlighted internal grievances regarding equipment and air support. Niger's government has also acknowledged that civilians were allegedly killed by the violence. The crisis underscores Niger's pivot from its former colonial power, France, toward new security partners like Russia and Algeria.

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