The Ivorian leadership has demanded evidence from Niger following accusations by Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, implicating President Alassane Ouattara in the recent attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport.
Tensions between Abidjan and Niamey have escalated after Tiani alleged that Ivory Coast was involved in the assault carried out on the night of January 28–29, 2026. In response, Côte d’Ivoire summoned the Nigerien ambassador to formally protest what it described as “fanciful” and unfounded accusations.
Speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said Côte d’Ivoire had officially written to Nigerien authorities and was still awaiting both a response and proof to support the claims.
“To date, we have received neither a reply nor any evidence,” Coulibaly said, describing the allegations as “grotesque” and reiterating that the attack was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group through its propaganda outlet, Amaq.
Coulibaly noted that the Ivorian government chose to respond firmly once the accusations directly targeted President Ouattara, warning that Abidjan would no longer tolerate what it called the false vilification of its head of state.
“We refuse to allow the image of the President, who embodies our nation, to be mocked,” he said, adding that previous general accusations were ignored because Côte d’Ivoire “has nothing to reproach itself for.”
Addressing speculation about Russia’s role, the spokesperson clarified that while Moscow had mentioned “interference by certain countries,” it did not name Ivory Coast nor accuse President Ouattara.
Ivory Coast says it is awaiting official clarification from Niamey and remains determined to prevent what it considers baseless allegations from gaining international traction.
Following the attack, Niger’s leader accused Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, Patrice Talon of Benin, and Emmanuel Macron of France of supporting efforts to destabilize Niger—claims all parties have rejected.
