The Executive of Chad has firmly rejected the accusations launched by Niger over its involvement in a drone attack in the north of the neighboring country and has called on the authorities of Niamey to present evidence supporting such claims, also urging them to prioritize dialogue in the face of the escalation of tension between the two States in recent weeks.
In an official note signed by the Minister of Communications and Government spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Yamena underlines that it "did not order, perpetrate or support" any military operation against Niger and likewise rejects that it is providing backing to "mercenaries" operating on Nigerien territory.
The text stresses that simple public statements are not enough to attribute to a State the authorship of an armed action, and therefore calls on Niamey to share any pieces of evidence it may have in its possession to support its accusations, according to information released by the National Audiovisual Media Office (ONAMA).
Yamena also expresses its support for the opening of an "independent" international investigation, already requested by Niger, and stresses that it will not accept being presented as responsible for the country's "internal difficulties at the security level". In this regard, it asks to avoid a "logic of suspicion and confrontation" that could worsen the diplomatic crisis.
The Chadian Government recalls that on several occasions in recent years it has denounced the presence of Chadian rebel groups based on Nigerien territory, and notes that these formations are "hostile" to the authorities of Chad. At the same time, it reaffirms its commitment to the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and its willingness for regional cooperation in security matters.
On the other hand, it asks the leaders of Niger to "put an end to public accusations" and reiterates its willingness to enter into "direct" contacts based on "proven facts", making clear that it will not tolerate "accusations against its honor, its sovereignty, its territorial integrity or the security of its population".
This position responds to the complaints made by the Nigerien military junta, which on Tuesday summoned the ambassador of Chad to protest the death of two people in a drone attack allegedly launched from Chadian territory and with the alleged "support of France". Niger called for the immediate cessation of "hostile actions" and payment of compensation for what happened.
The authorities of Niamey specified that the bombing took place in a mountainous area of the province of Agadez, in the north of the country, near the borders with Algeria and Libya, an area known for its smuggling routes and for the presence of armed groups operating in the region.
Likewise, the Nigerien Government criticized Chad for its "hostile stance" and accused it of "offering strategic depth to mercenaries" who would be behind attacks on its territory. For this reason, it decided to take the case to the United Nations Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (UA), with the aim that both bodies pronounce themselves on these allegations.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated notably since September, when Niger pointed to France and several of its African allies, including Chad, Benin and Ivory Coast, of participating in a frustrated coup attempt by Nigerien forces with the support of the Africa Corps --former Wagner Group and currently under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defense--.