ECOWAS steps in as Niger accuses Nigeria of destabilization, regional interference

The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has thrown its support behind Nigeria amid accusations of destabilization by the neighboring Niger Republic.

Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, had fingered the Nigerian government of complicity following the December 13 sabotage of the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya.

Nigerien military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, further accused Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilize Niger Republic.

However, Nigeria has strongly denied these allegations with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelling the accusations as baseless.

ECOWAS has come out strong in support of Nigeria, dismissing allegations that the country is sponsoring terrorism as completely baseless.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the regional body reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and stood firmly with Nigeria and other member states against these claims.

ECOWAS highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing dedication to peace and security across Africa, particularly noting the achievements of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads.

After Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the ECOWAS bloc, Niger accused Nigeria of acting against the will of its people, claiming that the actions reflect the interests of a few misguided leaders.

Niger also suggested that these moves were part of a broader plot by Western powers with harmful intentions for the region.

After the military takeover in Niger, President Bola Tinubu, as ECOWAS leader, considered deploying the ECOWAS military unit (ECOMOG) to restore power in Niger. However, Burkina Faso and Mali opposed this move.

Instead, Nigeria and other ECOWAS countries imposed sanctions on Niger following a coup in July 2023.

The sanctions were later lifted but Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have since announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

In a recent interview, Abdourahamane Tchiani, military leader of Niger, claimed that France is negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilize his country.

The Nigerien Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, also expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s alleged actions.

“Despite efforts to normalize relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilization of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said in a statement aired on national television.

Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, issued a statement refuting the allegations.

According to the minister, the Nigerian government strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.” the statement added.

The Nigerian government dismissed Niger’s accusation of sabotaging its pipelines and agriculture as unfounded and counterproductive.

Idris emphasized Nigeria’s consistent support for Niger’s development through joint projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway, calling it illogical to suggest Nigeria would undermine initiatives it actively promotes.