Niger coup leaders take aim at France on eve of key summit

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00:00 As the regional bloc, ECOWAS, seeks to resolve the crisis in Niger, the military junta are

00:06 digging their heels in.

00:08 On Wednesday, the group responsible for the coup d'etat accused former colonial power

00:12 France of deliberately attempting to destabilise the country by violating its airspace and

00:18 releasing several terrorists.

00:21 "These security disruptions, planned by these French forces as was the case in Mali and

00:27 Burkina Faso, aim to discredit the CNSP and create a rupture with the people who support

00:32 it in its actions, or to create a feeling of generalised insecurity in any case."

00:39 The French Foreign Ministry rejected the claims, adding that the flight had been authorised

00:44 and coordinated with Niger's armed forces.

00:47 "Today's air movement in Niger was the subject of prior agreement and technical coordination

00:53 with Nigerian forces confirmed in writing.

00:56 No attack against a Niger camp has taken place."

01:00 Since seizing power two weeks ago, the junta has already revoked five military cooperation

01:06 agreements with France, but Paris has rejected that decision, saying it was not taken by

01:11 Niger's legitimate authorities.

01:13 Meanwhile, the US has advised its citizens residing in Niger to keep a low profile and

01:19 avoid unnecessary movements around town.

01:22 Following the failed attempt to meet with deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on Monday,

01:27 Washington has expressed concern over his health and that of his family.

01:32 They have been detained in the presidential palace since July 26, with rumours they were

01:36 being held in inhumane conditions.

01:39 West African leaders are set to weigh their options during Thursday's ECOWAS summit, with

01:44 diplomacy apparently edging out military intervention for now.

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