France, Feb. 14 -- Macron's comments come as tensions between Paris and Niamey continue to simmer following Niger's 2023 coup - and as fresh accusations and counterclaims underscore a deepening diplomatic rift between the two countries.

On Friday evening, Niger's junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, renewed allegations that France was behind the 29 January attack on Niamey airport, an assault claimed by Islamic State in the Sahel.

He described the incident as part of a "sick agenda of destabilisation", while maintaining that its apparent objective - to cripple Niger's air capabilities- had ultimately failed.

Paris has repeatedly denied any involvement, with French armed forces spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet calling the accusa...