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

In a statement broadcast on national television on Monday, October 26, Niger’s authorities said they had summoned the Chadian ambassador over the incident and demanded an immediate end to what they described as hostile actions.

The government said the strike occurred early on Saturday at the Salvador Pass in the mountainous Emi Lulu area, a remote region near Niger’s borders with Algeria and Libya.

Niger described the incident as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty. It demanded compensation for the damage and called for an independent international investigation into the attack.

The allegations have not been independently established in the information available.

Niger Seeks International Intervention

Niger’s authorities accused Chad of supporting mercenaries and deliberately targeting civilians and strategic infrastructure. The government also alleged that France supported the operation, although it did not provide independently verified evidence for the claim in the statement described in the report.

Niamey said it intended to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. It also appealed to international partners to support its call for an investigation.

The Salvador Pass lies in a remote mining area known for smuggling routes and militant activity. Its location near the borders of Niger, Algeria and Libya makes the region strategically sensitive for security and cross-border movement.

The reported strike adds to concerns about instability in the Sahel, where armed groups, trafficking networks and cross-border security operations have complicated relations between governments.

Relations Between Niger and Chad Under Strain

The latest accusations follow an earlier dispute in September, when Niger alleged that Chad was involved in an attempted mutiny against its military government and accused France of supporting efforts to destabilise the country.

Niger has significantly changed its foreign relations since the military took power, including ending longstanding defence ties with France. Its relations with neighbouring countries have also been affected by disagreements over security and regional cooperation.

Chad’s response to the latest accusation was not included in the report provided, and the claims against it remain allegations pending independent verification.

The diplomatic fallout could place further strain on relations between the two countries as regional governments continue to confront insecurity and political instability across the Sahel.

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