The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria have officially rejected accusations of destabilization made by Niger. This Friday, December 27, these accusations were formally denied in response to comments made by the military leader of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani. He declared that France would have set up a base in northern Nigeria to arm terrorist groups with a view to creating unrest in Niger.
In a statement, ECOWAS expressed its support for Nigeria, stressing its deep concern over allegations of sponsorship of terrorism. The organization commended the successes of the Multinational Joint Task Force, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to peace and security in the region. This information was relayed by the Sud Quotidien website.
Nigeria also took a stand through its information minister, saying in a separate statement that the country has no alliance with France or any other country with the aim of destabilizing Niger. The same day, General Christopher Musa, head of the Nigerian army, denied these accusations during a lunch with soldiers in Sokoto, a region bordering Niger.
Before his troops, General Musa declared: “Any criminal element using Nigerian soil to attack our neighbors is an enemy of Nigeria. » He thus reaffirmed the unity between Nigeria and Niger and underlined their common objective of neutralizing any threat. These statements were reported on national television NTA.
The general added that he visited Niger to meet with the local general staff, confirming that Nigeria would never accept the establishment of foreign bases on its territory. He also spoke of the “special bond” uniting the two countries, which share a 1,500-kilometer border as well as religious and cultural affinities. According to our colleagues at Sud Quotidien, these assertions aim to reassure Nigeria’s peaceful intentions towards its neighbors.
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