• Niger junta accuses France, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire of backing attack
• Gunfire reported near Niamey airport amid ECOWAS tensions
• Border closure with Benin worsens economic strain

Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, on Thursday accused the presidents of France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of backing an attack after reports of gunfire and explosions overnight near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. Tiani said the attackers had foreign political support.

The accusations come as tensions persist between Niger’s military rulers and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Several members of the bloc backed sanctions and diplomatic pressure after the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Hopes of de-escalation, encouraged in recent months by mediation efforts and calls for dialogue, now seem increasingly unlikely.

Economically, the continued closure of Niger’s border with Benin has hit the country hard. The route once handled nearly 80% of freight entering Niger via the port of Cotonou.

Imports have since been rerouted through longer corridors, driving up transport costs and slowing deliveries.

Since taking power, Niger’s authorities have severed ties with Western powers and sought support from Moscow to help fight Islamist insurgency.

Ingrid Haffiny