Niger Accuses Chad of Deadly Drone Strike That Killed Two Civilians

Niger’s military government has accused neighbouring Chad of carrying out a deadly drone strike that killed two civilians and injured others in northern Niger, further escalating tensions between the two countries.

The accusation was announced in a statement read on Nigerien state television on Monday, 26 October. The government said the attack occurred early on Saturday in the Salvador Pass area of Emi Lulu, a remote mountainous region near the borders with Algeria and Libya.

Niger described the alleged strike as an “act of aggression” and a violation of its national sovereignty. It also accused Chad of supporting mercenaries and targeting civilians and strategic infrastructure. These claims have not been independently verified. <Cite refs={[“turn916053search0″,”turn916053search4”]}/>

Following the incident, authorities in Niamey announced that they had summoned Chad’s ambassador to formally protest the alleged attack. The government demanded an immediate end to what it described as hostile actions and called for compensation for the damage caused.

Niger also said it would refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, while requesting an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.

France also accused of involvement

In its statement, Niger alleged that the drone operation was conducted with the support of France, its former colonial ruler. The military government has repeatedly accused Paris of supporting efforts to destabilise its rule, allegations that have heightened tensions between the countries.

Niger said it would share information relating to the incident with international bodies and called on its partners to demonstrate solidarity with the country.

The strike was reportedly carried out in the Salvador Pass, an isolated area associated with mining activities and routes used for smuggling and militant movements. The region’s location near international borders makes security incidents there particularly sensitive.

However, details about the drone, its operators and the evidence supporting Niger’s accusations have not been independently established. No official response from Chad or France was included in the reports available following Niger’s announcement. <Cite refs={[“turn916053search2″,”turn916053search10”]}/>

Relations already strained by security allegations

The latest accusations come amid deteriorating relations between Niger and Chad, following previous claims by Niamey that its neighbour was involved in efforts to destabilise the military government.

In September, Niger accused Chad of involvement in a foiled mutiny, alleging that foreign actors, including France, were supporting attempts to undermine the authorities.

Niger has been governed by military leaders since the 2023 coup that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Its military government has since distanced itself from France and pursued new regional security relationships.

The latest drone-strike allegations risk further complicating diplomatic relations between Niger and Chad, both of which face significant security challenges across the wider Sahel region.

Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have carried out attacks across parts of the region, targeting civilians, military positions and infrastructure. Governments have struggled to contain the violence while maintaining control of remote border areas.

Calls for international investigation

Niger’s government is demanding an independent investigation to establish responsibility for the reported strike and determine the circumstances that led to the civilian deaths.

The authorities have also called for compensation and an end to actions they consider hostile towards Niger’s territory and population.

The allegations remain unresolved, with independent verification of the incident and the involvement of Chad or France still lacking in the available reporting.

As diplomatic efforts unfold, attention will focus on whether the United Nations and African Union respond to Niger’s request for an investigation and whether Chad provides an official response to the accusations.