The foreign minister of Niger, which is currently ruled by a junta, has summoned the charge d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy, accusing Nigeria of “serving as a rear base” for efforts to “destabilize” Niger, according to Niger’s state television.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since the military took control in Niger in 2023, breaking away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the current head of ECOWAS, had briefly considered military intervention to restore ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.
However, relations improved in August when Nigeria and Niger resumed security cooperation, which had been suspended following the coup. Despite this, tensions have resurfaced with the new accusations, leading to the summoning of Nigeria’s charge d’affaires on Wednesday.
In a statement read on national television, Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare expressed regret that despite efforts to normalize relations, Nigeria had not abandoned its role in destabilizing Niger, alleging complicity with foreign powers and officials of the former regime.
In late August, Nigeria’s top military commander had met with Niger’s army chief and agreed not to destabilize Niger or any neighboring country. Additionally, Niger expressed its readiness to resume security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT), which includes Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, focusing on combating jihadist groups active along their shared borders.
Since the 2023 coup, Niger has strengthened ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are also under military rule, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).