West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has dismissed accusations by Niger’s military leadership that Nigeria is involved in efforts to destabilise its neighbour.
The allegations were made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, during a televised broadcast on Christmas Day.
Tchiani claimed Nigeria was harbouring two French nationals expelled from Niger for alleged anti-government activities.
He further accused France of establishing a base in Nigeria, near the Lakurawa forest close to Sokoto, where he alleged a pact was made with the jihadist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to arm terror groups targeting Niger.
“Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move,” Tchiani said, asserting that the alleged deal occurred on March 4, 2024.
Earlier in December, Niger’s foreign ministry summoned the Nigerian charge d’affaires, accusing the country of serving as a “rear base” for activities aimed at destabilising Niger.
Both Nigeria and ECOWAS have categorically denied the allegations. In a statement released late Thursday, ECOWAS praised Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional peace and security.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security in several countries, not only in the West African subregion but also across the African continent,” the statement said.
“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state sponsor of terrorism.”
Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, also rejected the claims, stating, “Nigeria has no alliance with France or any other country to destabilise Niger.”
Idris emphasised that while Nigeria’s relationship with Niger has faced challenges since Tchiani’s July 2023 coup, the country remains committed to fostering regional stability.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, briefly considered a military intervention to restore Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, after the coup.
However, Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s preference for dialogue. “Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges,” he said.
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