DIPLOMATIC tensions between Nigeria and Niger deepened after Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to undermine his junta-led administration. In a Christmas Day interview, Tchiani claimed that France was aligning with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to destabilise Niger, allegedly with Nigeria’s tacit approval.
‘Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move,’ Tchiani told French news agency, AFP, adding fuel to an already strained relationship between the neighbouring nations.
Nigeria denounces claims as ‘baseless’
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, swiftly dismissed the allegations as ‘false’ and ‘groundless.’ Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ribadu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability.
‘We would never sabotage Niger or allow any disaster to befall it,’ Ribadu stated unequivocally.
Echoing this sentiment, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, described Tchiani’s claims as a diversionary tactic meant to obscure his administration’s shortcomings.
‘These allegations are nothing more than figments of imagination,’ Idris declared. ‘Nigeria has never conspired with France or any other nation to destabilise Niger.’
Idris also denied accusations that Nigeria had sabotaged Niger’s pipeline projects or agriculture, describing the charges as ‘completely unfounded.’
ECOWAS defends Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the leadership of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, stepped in to defend Abuja. In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS refuted Tchiani’s claims, highlighting Nigeria’s longstanding role in promoting peace across the continent.
‘For years, Nigeria has supported the peace and security of several countries not only in West Africa but across the African continent,’ the statement read.
The regional bloc categorically rejected any suggestion that Nigeria, described as ‘a generous and magnanimous country,’ would engage in sponsoring terrorism or destabilising activities.
Strained relations post-coup
Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been on edge since the July 2023 coup that toppled Niger’s democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Following the coup, ECOWAS imposed harsh economic sanctions on Niger and threatened military intervention if constitutional order was not restored.
In recent weeks, ECOWAS escalated its stance, approving the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from its ranks after the three military-led nations refused to commit to restoring democratic governance.
Niger has responded by distancing itself from France and other Western allies, demanding the removal of their military bases while aligning more closely with its junta-led neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali.
A crisis of distrust
Tchiani’s allegations come at a time when Niger faces growing domestic and international challenges. Analysts view his accusations as an attempt to rally support and distract from internal pressures.
‘These claims are part of a broader narrative to shift blame and consolidate power,’ noted a regional analyst.
For its part, Nigeria remains adamant about its role as a stabilising force in West Africa. ‘This baseless accusation does nothing to foster the cooperation we need in these challenging times,’ Ribadu concluded.
As diplomatic tensions simmer, the future of Nigeria-Niger relations remains uncertain, casting a shadow over regional efforts to restore peace and stability.
