Chad has rejected Niger’s accusation that it carried out a drone strike in the northern Agadez region on October 24, demanding evidence and calling for an independent international investigation.
Chadian government spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat said N’Djamena had neither ordered nor conducted nor supported any military air operation against Niger from its territory. He also denied claims that Chad had assisted foreign powers in launching attacks against its neighbour.
The government further dismissed allegations that Chadian territory was being used as a base by mercenaries targeting Nigerien civilians and infrastructure. Mahamat urged Niamey to release the technical evidence it says supports its accusations.
The latest dispute follows an earlier exchange of accusations in August 2026. Mahamat said Chad had initially refrained from escalating tensions to preserve historical ties between the two countries, but stressed that its silence should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.
Chad also accused Niger of failing to act on reports about Chadian armed groups allegedly operating on Nigerien territory over the past four years. Mahamat said Chadian soldiers who deserted with weapons and vehicles had travelled to Niger to join the groups, adding that the personnel and equipment had not been returned.
The accusations have added to tensions between the neighbours as insecurity continues across the Sahel. Chad has called on Niger to end what it describes as unsupported public allegations and submit the drone strike claims to independent scrutiny.
