Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country. Tchiani, who led the military coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023, alleged that France was working with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, with Nigeria allegedly aware of these efforts.
Tchiani’s accusations have further strained relations between Niger and its neighbor, Nigeria, already tense since the coup. The allegations came at a time of heightened diplomatic friction, as Nigeria’s support for the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, has led to sanctions against Niger. ECOWAS, under the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has also threatened military intervention if constitutional order is not restored in Niger.
In response, Nigeria swiftly rejected the accusations. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu labeled the claims as “baseless” and “false,” emphasizing that Nigeria had no interest in destabilizing Niger. Ribadu insisted that Nigeria would never “sabotage Niger or allow any disaster to befall it,” reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional peace.
Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, echoed this sentiment, dismissing the allegations as a “diversionary tactic aimed at covering [Tchiani’s] administration’s failures.” He further denied claims that Nigeria had targeted Niger’s pipeline and agricultural sectors, describing them as unfounded.
The claims against Nigeria have sparked a diplomatic standoff, with ECOWAS taking a firm stance in support of its Nigerian member. In a statement, the regional bloc refuted the suggestion that Nigeria, a longstanding proponent of peace and security across West Africa, could be implicated in terrorism or destabilization efforts. ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability in the region, further distancing itself from the accusations.
This development comes amid Niger’s calls for the withdrawal of French military forces, as well as the formation of a security alliance with fellow military-led neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso. Since the coup, Niger has also faced international isolation, with ECOWAS imposing sanctions and diplomatic pressure to restore democratic governance. However, the junta’s defiance, combined with its alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso, has compounded the challenges of resolving the political crisis.
The diplomatic row between Niger and Nigeria highlights the increasing polarization in West Africa, where military coups and security concerns continue to complicate efforts to maintain regional stability.
