By Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Contributor
B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering African News
The Economic Community of West African States has strongly dismissed accusations by Niger Republic's military rulers that Nigeria and some ECOWAS member states, in collaboration with France, are sponsoring terrorism in the Sahel nation.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Joël Ahofodji, ECOWAS branded the allegations "unfounded and unsubstantiated," while restating its solidarity with Nigeria and other accused member states.
"The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against the allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism," the statement read.
Niger's Allegations on Nigeria, France Declared Baseless
The accusations first emerged early this week, when Niger's military Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tchiani accused both Nigeria and France of being in a plot to destabilize that country. He said the French troops were stationed at the Lake Chad area in Borno State with Nigeria's collaboration, allegedly to carry out attacks on Niger.
Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, denied the accusations, describing them as unfounded. "Nigeria would never undermine its neighbor or allow threats to emanate from its territory. Even during colonial times, Nigeria resisted foreign troops within its borders, unlike Niger, which accepted them. Why would we change our stance now?" Ribadu said.
Ribadu further challenged journalists to verify the claims and urged Niger’s junta to reconsider their position, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to addressing shared security challenges.
Nigeria’s Government Reacts
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in turn, denied the accusation. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained, "What is being insinuated is, to say the least, a figment of imagination; Nigeria never entered into, overt and covert, with France or other countries to destabilise Niger Republic. ''Those claiming so exist and live merely in that their wild Imagination.
Specifically, the Minister cited the continued efforts of Nigeria for peace and security in West Africa. Saying that this commitment has been demonstrated with the successes being recorded under the MNJTF, a Task Force to which Nigeria plays host.
ECOWAS also urged all member states to refrain from making baseless accusations and instead focus on dialogue and cooperation to resolve regional challenges.
Tensions Rise Amid Credibility Questions
General Tchiani’s claims have sparked criticism and ridicule within Niger and beyond, with many questioning his credibility and understanding of geopolitics. Social media footage circulating among Nigerien citizens shows individuals mocking his statements, calling them implausible and unsubstantiated.
Analysts have noted that this would further heighten the tension in the relationship of Niger with its neighbors, and regional cooperation on these common security challenges even further becomes difficult. Ribadu cautioned the military rulers against replacing one foreign power with another, saying this has only moved the challenge rather than trying to resolve it.
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