By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Nigeria has firmly denied accusations by Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, of colluding with France to undermine Niger's stability. The allegations, made during a Christmas Day interview, have heightened tensions between the two West African nations, already strained following Niger's military coup in 2023.
In his statement, Gen Tchiani accused France of collaborating with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to destabilize Niger, claiming that Nigeria was complicit in these actions. "Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move," he asserted, according to reports from AFP.
Responding to the claims, Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, categorically dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and "false." Ribadu reiterated Nigeria's commitment to regional stability, stating that the country would never sabotage Niger or condone any actions that might harm its neighbor.
Echoing these sentiments, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, described the accusations as unfounded and a diversionary tactic designed to obscure the failures of Niger’s current administration.
"These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger Republic," Idris declared. He also refuted additional allegations of sabotaging Niger’s pipeline and agricultural sectors.
The accusations come amidst heightened diplomatic tensions following the coup that ousted Niger’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum. In response to the coup, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), led efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger. These efforts included imposing economic sanctions and threatening military intervention against the junta-led government.
Ecowas, in a statement, strongly defended Nigeria’s role in fostering regional peace and stability. "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 read. The regional bloc dismissed Gen Tchiani’s allegations, emphasizing that Nigeria, known for its generous contributions to regional security, would never engage in actions akin to state-sponsored terrorism.
Diplomatic relations between Niger and its neighbors have been deteriorating since the coup. In recent months, Niger has expelled French military bases and aligned itself with other junta-led nations, including Mali and Burkina Faso. The formation of this security alliance signals a pivot away from traditional partnerships with Western powers. Moreover, Ecowas recently approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from its ranks after their refusal to reinstate democratic governance.
Gen Tchiani’s claims, coupled with his government’s actions, have further isolated Niger on the international stage. The escalating tensions underscore the complexities of the region’s political landscape, where issues of sovereignty, security, and governance often collide.
Nigeria’s unequivocal rejection of the allegations reflects its ongoing commitment to stability in West Africa. As one of the region’s most influential nations, Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role in addressing challenges posed by military coups and fostering democratic principles across the continent. This latest dispute, however, highlights the delicate balance required to navigate relationships with neighboring nations in a period of heightened political instability.
Comments