France: Nigerian Govt Refutes Allegations Made by Niger Republic Military Leader Tchiani

The Nigerian government has firmly dismissed allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, regarding a supposed collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger.

These claims were made during a Christmas Day broadcast by Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of working with its former colonial power, France, to undermine his country's stability.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohamed Idris, categorically rejected these accusations, labeling them as "baseless" and "disingenuous." Idris emphasized that such claims exist solely in the realm of imagination and are an attempt to divert attention from Niger's internal challenges.

He stated, "Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic."

Idris further highlighted Nigeria's commitment to regional peace and stability, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has demonstrated exemplary leadership by keeping diplomatic channels open with Niger despite the political turmoil.

The minister insisted that Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize Niger Republic.

The allegations also included claims of a French military presence in Nigeria, specifically in Borno State, which the Nigerian government vehemently denied. The government clarified that no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations, and Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated that the Nigerian military would not allow any foreign military base on its soil, underscoring Nigeria's commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

In response to Tchiani's accusations, the Nigerian government pointed out its active role in combating terrorism within the region. It cited the recent launch of Operation Forest Sanity III, aimed at addressing the Lakurawa threat, as evidence of its dedication to ensuring stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

"How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harboring the same group within its borders?" Idris questioned, dismissing the allegations as lacking credible evidence.

The Nigerian government also highlighted its support for Niger's economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. Idris argued that it is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

Furthermore, the government urged the public to disregard these false allegations and called on those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, to provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Idris warned that any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS's principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

The strained relationship between Nigeria and Niger, exacerbated by these unfounded allegations, poses a challenge to regional cooperation within ECOWAS. However, Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger. The government continues to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges, urging Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.