The deadly attack against French aid to Niger "seems to have been premeditated" with the aim of " targeting Westerners ", according to the first elements of the investigation counter-terrorism, a-t-on learned Friday of justice source, confirming information of BFM TV. "At this stage, there is no evidence that the attack was specifically aimed Acted, even if we cannot exclude it completely. On the other hand, it's an attack that seems to have been premeditated to target a priori, rather than Westerners, " said this source.
Six young French aid, were murdered on Sunday with their driver and their guide nigerians as they were visiting the reserve, giraffes of Kouré, 60 km south-east of the capital Niamey, where they were based. Party Tuesday for Niger, the team of eleven French investigators, specialty, from ISB (Directorate-general of internal security), of the sub-directorate anti-terrorism and police technical science, has completed its findings on-site and must be back in France on Saturday, according to a source close to the folder.
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A tribute ceremony to 16 hours
Five days later, the attack carried out by gunmen traveling on a motorcycle has still not been claimed. "Given the mode of operation, the track of terrorism remains privileged," added the source of justice. The experts point the finger at the islamic State the Grand Sahara (SAES), active in the area of the "three borders" (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), where he is chased by armies and force the French Barkhane, which deploys more than 5,000 men in the Sahel. The investigation also seeks to determine if the assailants have been briefed on the visit of the humanitarian aid in the natural park.
on Friday morning, a plane carrying the remains of victims in French – Myriam, Stella, Nadifa, Charline, Antoninus and Leo landed at the airport of Orly, near Paris, from Niamey. The Prime minister, Jean Castex, is expected to the flag of honour of the airport 15: 30 meeting with the families before presiding over the ceremony of homage, which will take place at 16 o'clock in the intimacy, without the presence of the media. He will be accompanied by Eric Dupond-Moretti, the garde des Sceaux, and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, secretary of State to the minister of foreign Affairs, in charge in particular of the French from abroad.
