President Abdourahamane Tiani addressed the nation on National Television on Saturday, July 25, 2026, marking the third anniversary of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP). During his speech, Tiani stated that the CNSP's actions have yielded results for Niger. He declared that the CNSP, which he leads, "donne des résultats" for the country. The occasion was specifically the 3rd anniversary of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP). During his address, President Tiani spoke on National Television on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to commemorate this significant milestone.
Accusations of Foreign Interference
President Abdourahamane Tiani reaffirmed the role played by France and certain Western countries in destabilizing the Sahel. He asserted that France and other Western nations were involved in sponsoring terrorism that "grieves the Sahel." These claims were made during his address on National Television. Tiani specifically reaffirmed France's and other Western countries' involvement in sponsoring terrorism that 'grieves the Sahel'.
Following the coup, France had given Niger one week to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, threatening consequences if the demand was not met. France subsequently utilized ECOWAS, which, on July 30, four days after the initial intervention, ordered the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. This ultimatum followed the coup, with France giving Niger one week to reinstate Bazoum and threatening consequences if the demand was not met. Subsequently, France used ECOWAS, which on July 30, four days after the intervention, ordered the restoration of constitutional order.
Tiani stated that their struggle was "yielding results" despite what he described as fierce adversity from some Western and European countries. He specifically mentioned that the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), which he leads, "donne des résultats" for the country. Tiani's address marked the third anniversary of the CNSP's establishment. He stated that their struggle is yielding results despite fierce adversity from some Western and European countries.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Details
President Abdourahamane Tiani alleged a terrorist plot targeting Diori Hamani Airport in Niamey, with the latest incident occurring on June 18, 2026. He claimed those involved in attacking the airport were "marionettes" and not genuine terrorists fighting for a specific cause. Tiani stated that the airport had been attacked a second time and would be attacked again, asserting that these actions were linked to France's survival. He further alleged that France financed these attacks and that Niger possesses "elements of proof." Tiani mentioned terrorist attacks against Diori Hamani Airport in Niamey, with the latest occurring on June 18, 2026. He claimed that those attacking the airport were 'marionettes' and not genuine terrorists fighting for a cause. He stated that the airport was attacked a second time and will be attacked again because it is about France's survival. Tiani also claimed that France allegedly financed the attacks and that Niger has 'elements of proof'.
During the June 18, 2026, attack, mercenaries reportedly received orders to burn Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey and shoot passengers. Tiani claimed that mercenaries from JINIM (NUSRA), gathered and trained by the French, conducted this attack. The plot was reportedly planned for three simultaneous sites: Diori Hamani International Airport, the presidential palace, and the officers' training center. French intelligence allegedly provided these mercenaries with communication devices, including Techno Spark and IT 5606 phones. During the attack on June 18, 2026, mercenaries received orders to burn Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey and shoot passengers. The attack on June 18, 2026, was conducted by mercenaries from JINIM (NUSRA), who, according to Tiani, were gathered and trained by the French. The attack was planned for three simultaneous sites: Diori Hamani International Airport, the presidential palace, and the officers' training center. French intelligence allegedly provided these mercenaries with communication devices, including Techno Spark and IT 5606 phones.
Niger's forces intercepted a commando group two days before the planned attack on the Palace and Tondibia training center. Another commando group was spotted near Niamey airport, with "more intelligent" survivors fleeing the scene. One objective of the alleged attack was the expulsion of Western military personnel from the Niamey airbase. Another stated objective was to give form to information warfare developed by the Elysée Sahel cell, which Tiani said was created in August 2024. Another commando group was spotted near Niamey airport, and survivors who were 'more intelligent' fled. One objective of the attack, as stated by Tiani, was the expulsion of Western military personnel from the Niamey airbase. Another objective was to give form to their information warfare developed by the Elysée Sahel cell, which was created in August 2024.
Broader Struggle for Sovereignty
President Abdourahamane Tiani praised the Nigerien and Sahelian people for their continued fight for sovereignty and dignity. He also congratulated the defense forces for their efforts in the struggle for peace and honored fallen soldiers. Tiani asserted that some Africans have lost their spirit of dignity, independence, and sovereignty. He described the current struggle as one for all of Africa, not solely for the Sahel region. He praised the Nigerien and Sahelian people for continuing to fight for their sovereignty and dignity. He also congratulated the defense forces for their fight for peace and honored fallen soldiers. Tiani stated that some Africans have lost their spirit of dignity, independence, and sovereignty.
According to Tiani, an objective of the alleged attacks was to destroy Niamey's Diori Hamani Airport, which he characterized as a strategic point connecting Niger to the rest of the world. Tiani claimed France aims to demonstrate that Niger's security is contingent upon its presence. He stated that the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), which he leads, "donne des résultats" for the country despite the challenges. An objective of the alleged attacks was to destroy Niamey airport, which Tiani described as a strategic point connecting Niger to the rest of the world. France, he claimed, wants to show that Niger's security is conditioned on their presence. This struggle, Tiani emphasized, is not just for the Sahel region but for all of Africa.