Chad denies drone strike alleged by Niger
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Chad denies carrying out or supporting a drone strike in the Agadez region, following accusations by Niger, and is demanding material and technical evidence. The Chadian government has also said it supports an international investigation into the 24 October incident, according to spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat, quoted by La Nouvelle Tribune.
The Chadian government on Tuesday denied any involvement in a drone strike that Niger has attributed to it in the Agadez region, as well as any complicity with France. In a statement read on national television, its spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat, said that no such military operation had been ordered, carried out or supported from Chadian territory.
N’Djamena is asking the Nigerien authorities to present material and technical evidence to support their allegations. Chadian authorities also said they were in favour of an international investigation into the circumstances of the incident and any possible responsibility.
According to the Nigerien authorities, the strike took place on 24 October in the Émiloulou area of Agadez, killing two civilians, injuring several others and causing material damage. Chad also says it alerted Niger to the presumed presence of armed Chadian rebel groups on its territory, while affirming its commitment to dialogue between the two countries.
The Chadian denial came after Niger’s accusations on 26 October concerning a drone strike. It also followed the announcement of the deaths of two civilians in the Agadez region.
