Niger Military Official Accuses UAE, Chad and France of Involvement in Latest Coup Attempt
Captain Roger Gabriel, commander of the First Paratrooper Battalion in Niamey, disclosed new information on Tuesday evening concerning the events of the night of August 28–29, 2026, and the mutiny that took place in the Nigerien capital.
In a statement read out on Niger’s national television network (RTN), Captain Roger Gabriel spoke about several officers whom he identified as leaders of the mutiny, which he said involved members of the BSR. He also made allegations against a number of domestic and foreign actors whom he said were linked to the events.
According to the officer’s account, those accused included individuals close to former President Mohamed Bazoum, officers from Chad, as well as France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Roger Gabriel also said that he had received communications from Belgium and Dubai, claiming that the callers had asked his company to provide support to the mutinous military personnel.
His account further indicated that the support allegedly being prepared included arrangements related to the deployment of French special forces at Niamey Airport to assist the mutineers.
