Niamey junta accuses N'Djamena: Chad denies drone strike and demands evidence

Chad’s government denies ordering, carrying out or supporting the October 24 drone strike in the Émiloulou area of Niger’s Agadez region. Through Communications Minister Gassim Cherif Mahamat, N’Djamena also rejects the claim that its territory is being used as a base by mercenaries targeting Niger. Chad is demanding that Niamey publicly present the material and technical evidence it says it possesses, and is calling for an independent international investigation. It says it previously reported the presence of Chadian rebels in Niger and accuses Nigerien authorities of failing to return a deserter and his weapons.