Niger’s military government has accused Chad of carrying out a deadly drone strike in the country’s north, alleging that two civilians were killed and several others wounded in an incident that threatens to deepen tensions between the neighbouring countries.
The authorities in Niamey said on Monday that they had summoned Chad’s ambassador to protest the alleged attack and demanded an immediate end to what they described as “hostile actions” against Niger.
In a statement read on national television, the government also called for compensation for the damage caused by the strike and announced plans to raise the matter with international and regional institutions.
According to the statement, the attack occurred early on Saturday at the Salvador Pass in the mountainous Emi Lulu area of northern Niger.
The remote location lies within a mining region near Niger’s borders with Algeria and Libya. The area is also considered strategically important because of its role in cross-border movement, including smuggling and militant activity.
Niger described the incident as an “act of aggression” and a violation of its national sovereignty, accusing Chad of supporting mercenaries and targeting civilians and strategic infrastructure.
The government’s allegations have raised concerns about the possibility of further deterioration in relations between the two countries, which share security interests in a region affected by armed violence, trafficking networks and political instability.
However, the accusations presented by Niamey have not been independently established, and further information would be needed to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported strike and those responsible.
The Nigerien authorities also alleged that France supported the operation, adding another dimension to the dispute.
Niger has severed ties with its former colonial ruler as relations between Niamey and Paris have deteriorated following the military takeover and subsequent changes in the country’s foreign policy.
The latest allegation reflects the military government’s continued suspicion of France’s intentions in the Sahel, where several countries have experienced major political changes and reassessed their security partnerships.
Niamey said it intended to refer the incident to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, seeking international attention and support over what it considers a breach of its sovereignty.
The government also called for an independent international investigation to establish the facts surrounding the reported strike, identify those responsible and determine whether any laws or international obligations had been violated.
It appealed to its international partners to demonstrate solidarity with Niger as it responds to the incident.
The diplomatic protest comes amid an already difficult period in relations between Niger and Chad. Both countries operate in a region where governments face complex security challenges, including armed groups, illegal trafficking and instability across national borders.
Any escalation between the two neighbours could complicate efforts to coordinate security operations and address threats that extend beyond individual countries.
The Salvador Pass is situated in a remote and strategically sensitive part of northern Niger, where mining activities and cross-border routes intersect with longstanding security concerns. The region’s difficult terrain can make monitoring movements and investigating reported incidents particularly challenging.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged drone strike, including the intended target and the identity of those who carried it out, remain important questions for investigators.
Niger’s demand for compensation suggests that the government intends to pursue the matter beyond a diplomatic protest. However, any decision on responsibility or liability would depend on the available evidence and the outcome of an investigation.
The United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council could provide platforms for diplomatic engagement if the matter is formally presented to them. Their involvement could also help establish a framework for examining the allegations and reducing the risk of further confrontation.
The dispute is not the first time Niger has accused Chad of involvement in activities allegedly aimed at destabilising its military government.
In September, Niamey accused Chad of being involved in a foiled mutiny and alleged that France was backing efforts to undermine the authorities. Those claims also highlighted the growing mistrust surrounding the military government’s relations with some neighbouring countries and Western powers.
The latest accusations could further strain diplomatic ties if the two governments fail to establish a common understanding of what happened at Salvador Pass.
For now, Niger is demanding an end to the alleged hostile actions, compensation for the reported damage and an independent investigation into the incident.
The response from Chad, along with any independently verified evidence about the strike, will be crucial in determining the next steps in the dispute.
As tensions rise, diplomatic engagement and a credible investigation will be important in establishing the facts, protecting civilians and preventing the allegations from escalating into a wider confrontation between the two countries.
