The Federal Government of Nigeria has vehemently denied allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, accusing Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilize his country.<\/p>\n
The claims, made in a viral video, were described as unfounded, baseless, and a distraction from Niger\u2019s internal challenges.<\/p>\n
In a press statement issued on Thursday, December 26, 2024, Nigeria\u2019s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, \u201cThese allegations exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any form of alliance with France\u2014or any other country\u2014to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger Republic.\u201d<\/p>\n
The minister reiterated Nigeria\u2019s commitment to peace and regional stability, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, has maintained open channels for dialogue with Niger despite the political turmoil following the military takeover in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cNigeria remains a beacon of peace and a key partner in fostering harmony and maintaining historic diplomatic ties with Niger,\u201d Idris added.<\/p>\n
Nigeria Denounces Terrorist Allegation<\/b><\/p>\n
The minister also dismissed accusations that Nigeria had ceded parts of its territory or collaborated with France to support terrorist activities against Niger. He labeled the claims as \u201cabsurd\u201d and \u201ccounterproductive,\u201d citing Nigeria\u2019s leading role in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin and the broader region.<\/p>\n
He pointed to the recent launch of Operation Forest Sanity III by the Nigerian Armed Forces, a military initiative targeting terrorist groups in the region, as evidence of Nigeria\u2019s commitment to eradicating terrorism. \u201cHow can a government actively confronting these threats now be accused of harboring the same group?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n
Strong Diplomatic and Economic Ties<\/b><\/p>\n
The minister further refuted accusations that Nigeria sought to sabotage Niger\u2019s pipelines and agricultural development, highlighting joint initiatives such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project as examples of Nigeria\u2019s active promotion of Niger\u2019s economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt defies logic to suggest that Nigeria would undermine projects it has championed and funded for the mutual benefit of both nations,\u201d Idris stated.<\/p>\n
A Call for Credibility<\/b><\/p>\n
Idris urged the military leadership in Niger to substantiate its claims with credible evidence, cautioning against attempts to blackmail Nigeria over its principled stand against unconstitutional changes in government. He emphasized that Nigeria\u2019s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, regional cooperation, and stability would not be derailed by baseless accusations.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Tchiani\u2019s allegations are not only false but represent a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration\u2019s shortcomings,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
As Nigeria continues to lead regional efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges, the Federal Government called on Niger\u2019s leadership to prioritize constructive dialogue and collaboration over propaganda and divisive rhetoric.<\/p>\n
Analysis<\/b>:<\/p>\n
Observers believe the allegations stem from tensions following ECOWAS\u2019s strong stance against the military junta in Niger, led by President Tinubu. However, Nigeria\u2019s consistent commitment to peace and development remains evident in its regional diplomacy and economic initiatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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