Niger junta claims France planning strikes to free ousted president

The Niger coup leaders have named General Abdourahmane Tiani, the former presidential guard chief, as head of state. Photo: AP

Anait Miridzhanian and Bate Felix in Niamey

The military junta that seized power in Niger last week has accused former colonial power France of planning strikes to try to free detained president Mohamed Bazoum and reinstate his toppled government.

The French foreign ministry did not confirm or deny the accusation but said Paris recognised only Bazoum as a legitimate authority in the West African country and was focused on protecting its own citizens and interests there.