Victor Ezeja
Nigerian government has debunked allegations that there is a conspiracy between Nigeria and France to destabilise Niger Republic.
Prime Business Africa reports that Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had in a viral video alleged that France is sponsoring terrorist groups in the country to destabilise the Niger Republic.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGeneral Tchiani claimed that France is negotiating with terrorist groups, particularly, Boko Haram/Lakurawa in Nigeria to destabilise his country. He alleged that weapons and money running into millions of dollars were offered.
However, in a statement on Thursday, 26 December, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims, saying they only exist in the realm of imagination.
Idris said Nigeria has never engaged in any form of alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the military takeover of government in the West African country.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has demonstrated exemplary leadership by encouraging Niger Republic to rejoin the sub-regional body despite the political situation in the country. “Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger,” Idris declared.
The information minister clarified that Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, have been waging war against terrorist group in the region, adding that it is “absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.”
“Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.
“Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
“We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.”
Idris noted that Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further stated that unlike some nations, Nigeria has never allowed foreign powers to establish military bases in the country.
He also described as “unfounded ” the accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture. According to him, Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. “It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.”
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Gives Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Six Months To Reconsider Membership Withdrawal
The minister also said the allegations that Lakurawa terrorist headquarters was established in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France is baseless. He maintained that Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
He recalled that Nigerian military recently launched Operation Forest Sanity III, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, specifically to tackle the threat posed by Lakurawa terrorist group. “How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?” the minister asked. “These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” he asserted.
He urged the public to disregard the false allegations. He challenged those making such claims, particularly the Niger Republic Military Leader to provide credible evidence to substantiate them.
He added that any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is “both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
“In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.
“We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
