An attempted coup took place in Niger at the end of August, according to reports. The government in Niamey has accused France of encouraging soldiers to rebel, suggesting that French influence may have played a role in the unrest. In response, France's Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, denied the allegations, stating that France had neither the intention nor the means to incite a mutiny among Niger's military. Niger's military had previously managed to stop a mutiny with the support of its Russian allies, highlighting the country's growing alignment with Russia in recent years. Public television in Niger reported that France was involved with the mutineers, but it did not provide evidence to support the claim. The Council of Ministers in Niger claimed the attack was orchestrated by a broad network of accomplices led by France, and the country has indicated it may take legal action against France through international courts. French officials dismissed the accusations as "pure fantasies," emphasizing that France is being unfairly blamed for events in Niger. The current leader of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, came to power through a coup in July 2023 and has since strengthened ties with Russia. This is the first time that General Tiani's regime has faced internal dissent of this magnitude, raising concerns about stability in the region. Niger has a history of accusing France, its former colonial ruler until 1960, of attempting to destabilize the country. Paris has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that it does not interfere in Niger's internal affairs. The recent tensions reflect broader geopolitical shifts, with Niger's military increasingly turning to Russia for support, reducing its reliance on former Western allies.