France Denies Inciting Failed Niger Mutiny, Calls Accusation 'Pure Fantasy'

France has denied allegations that it incited a failed mutiny at a military base in Niger, with the French foreign ministry describing the accusation as "pure fantasy," according to Al Jazeera.

The denial comes about a week after an assault on a military base in Niger, which the country's government has linked to what it described as unnamed neighboring countries, according to the report.

Al Jazeera reported that Niger's government has widened the scope of its blame for the incident beyond its initial statements, though it has not publicly named the countries it holds responsible.

France's foreign ministry firmly rejected any involvement in the attempted mutiny, according to the report, though further details on the specific allegations made against Paris were not immediately available.

Niger has been governed by a military junta since a coup in July 2023 that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta has since severed longstanding military ties with France, its former colonial power, and expelled French troops from the country.