Nigeria firmly rejects accusations of destabilization made by Niger, aggravating already fragile diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Faced with accusations of destabilization made by Niamey, Nigeria formally denies any involvement in hostile actions against Niger. This official response comes three days after the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs summoned the Nigerian charge d'affaires in the absence of the ambassador.
In a press release published this Saturday, December 21, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs “ refuted in very strong terms” allegations that Nigerian security forces supported the attack by the Lakurawa terrorist group against the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, carried out on December 13, 2024 in Gaya, in the Dosso region.
While offering condolences to the Nigerian government over the attack on the pipeline, Abuja says that “ the perpetrators were neither supported nor assisted by the Nigerian authorities” and reiterates his “ firm commitment to the fight against terrorism”.
This diplomatic tension is part of a context already weakened since the coming to power of the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland (CNSP) in Niger in July 2023 through a coup d'état against Mohamed Bazoum, in detention with his wife since then.
Last Wednesday, the head of Nigerien diplomacy, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, expressed serious concerns during the summons of the Nigerian diplomat regarding alleged support from Abuja for destabilizing actions, in particular the supposed construction of military camps near the border. .
The Nigerian ministry also expresses “ a very serious concern” faced with allegations concerning a French military presence in northern Niger, describing these accusations as ” baseless ».
In a desire for appeasement, the acting spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, emphasizes that “ relations between Nigeria and France have always been cordial” and reaffirms Abuja's desire to maintain constructive relations with Niger, despite the persistent tensions between the two neighboring countries.
This diplomatic exchange of arms comes less than four months after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation between the two countries, during the visit of the chief of staff of the Nigerian armies to Niamey in August 2024.
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