Nigeria Rejects Claims of Collusion with France Against Niger
Nigeria has strongly denied accusations from Niger's military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, of conspiring with France to destabilize the junta-led nation. These allegations, made during a Christmas Day interview, have further strained relations between the two West African neighbors, which were already tense following Niger's military coup in 2023.
General Tchiani claimed that France, allegedly with Nigeria's awareness, has been working with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security. This bold accusation led to swift denials from Nigerian officials, who dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading. Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, labeled the allegations as "false," emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to the peace and security of Niger.
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Similarly, Nigeria's Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, criticized the accusations, calling them a "diversionary tactic" to distract from the challenges facing Niger’s junta administration. Idris strongly denied any covert or overt alliances with France or any nation aimed at destabilizing Niger. The minister also rejected additional allegations of sabotaging Niger’s pipeline and agriculture, further describing these claims as unfounded.
Diplomatic tensions between the two countries have escalated since the coup that ousted Niger’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum. Nigeria, as a leading member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has played a central role in imposing sanctions on Niger and threatening military intervention to restore constitutional order. ECOWAS itself issued a statement defending Nigeria, highlighting its historical contributions to peace and security across Africa.
General Tchiani’s allegations come amid Niger's broader geopolitical shift, including demands for the withdrawal of French and Western military forces and the formation of a security alliance with other junta-led neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso. These developments reflect growing tensions within West Africa, where political and security challenges are reshaping regional alliances.
As the situation unfolds, Nigeria maintains its position as a stabilizing force in the region, rejecting any involvement in actions that could harm its neighbors. ECOWAS and Nigerian officials continue to advocate for diplomacy and regional cooperation, aiming to restore peace and democratic governance in Niger.
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