The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to peace and stability in West Africa, addressing recent accusations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahman Tchiani. The President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland alleged collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize the junta-led nation.
In a Christmas Day interview, Tchiani accused France of collaborating with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, allegedly with Nigeria’s knowledge. “Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move,” Tchiani claimed, according to AFP.
Responding to these accusations, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed the claims as baseless and underscored Nigeria’s respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tuggar stressed that Nigeria’s actions align with the principles of ECOWAS, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the foundation for resolving regional challenges.
“As brothers and neighbours, Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural ties, underscored by trade and economic interdependence,” the minister stated. “These enduring connections are reminders of our intrinsically linked destinies. Therefore, unfounded allegations cause needless tensions that could threaten the collective progress of our region.”
Highlighting the close ties between the two nations, Tuggar called for calm and mutual respect. He warned that baseless accusations could disrupt regional stability and hinder efforts to address shared challenges such as security threats and humanitarian concerns.
The Nigerian government outlined several measures to address rising tensions, including:
• Promoting open and constructive dialogue with Niger’s leadership.
• Mitigating the humanitarian impact on border communities.
• Collaborating with regional and international partners to foster reconciliation and unity.
“Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace,” the statement concluded. “We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together toward a more prosperous and stable future for our people.”
As both nations navigate this period of strained relations, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional unity and addressing shared challenges through peaceful means.
