It's an open secret. The Nigerien president, Army General Abdourahmane Tiani, has accused his Ivorian counterpart Alassane Ouattara and two other leaders of sponsoring the mercenaries who attacked Niamey airport and Niger's Air Force Base 101 on the night of January 28-29, 2026.

 

Shocked by these statements, the Ivorian government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, summoned the Nigerien ambassador to Abidjan to express its strong indignation.

 

"We refuse to allow the image of the one who embodies the State of Ivory Coast to be mocked."

 

Yesterday, Wednesday, February 4th, Ivorian government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly also condemned the statements made by Niger's commander-in-chief. According to the spokesperson, Mr. Tiani's remarks are unfounded and tarnish the image of Ivorian institutions. "We refuse in any way to allow the image of the one who embodies the State of Côte d'Ivoire to be mocked... We will never again accept that the name of the Head of State be associated with these fanciful and unfounded accusations," declared Mr. Coulibaly, responding to journalists' questions after the Council of Ministers meeting.

 

For mutual respect between countries

 

The official also emphasized the respect that must be shown to heads of state. Public statements, he said, must be responsible, especially in a sub-region marked by political and security crises. He reiterated, however, the Ivorian government's commitment to dialogue, regional cooperation, and mutual respect among countries.