ECOWAS Defends Nigeria Against Niger’s Allegations of Terrorism Collusion

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced strong support for Nigeria following allegations from Niger’s military leadership accusing the country of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.

Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s military leader, had alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to undermine his country’s stability.

Responding to the claims, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the allegations as baseless and absurd. He emphasized that, despite strained relations between Nigeria and Niger due to the recent military coup, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS chairman, has maintained open channels for dialogue.

Idris stated, “It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign entity to compromise the peace and security of a neighboring nation.”

In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS expressed grave concern over the allegations, describing them as unfounded. The bloc praised Nigeria’s consistent role in fostering peace and security within the West African region.

Read More: Bwala Dismisses Tchiani’s Allegations as Propaganda to Incite Northern Nigeria

“Throughout the years, Nigeria has demonstrated unwavering support for the peace and stability of nations, not just within West Africa but across the African continent,” ECOWAS noted. “The recent victories achieved by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), under Nigeria’s leadership, underscore its dedication to regional security and stability.”

The regional body further emphasized that a country as “generous and magnanimous” as Nigeria could not be implicated in such baseless accusations.

ECOWAS also reiterated its solidarity with member nations, including those that have recently exited the bloc, such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. These countries have distanced themselves from France and aligned with Russia for support in combating terrorism.

At its most recent summit of heads of state, ECOWAS decided to sever ties with these three nations next year but allowed for a six-month negotiation window to restore dialogue and reconsider their status within the bloc.

The organization called on all member states to prioritize stability, promote dialogue, and refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations that could undermine regional unity.