The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has rejected claims made by the Nigerien government that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism.
The Nigerien military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani this week made new allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria, claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger Republic.
Tchiani accused the Nigerian government of receiving finance from France in exchange for allowing French military presence in a specific area of Borno State.
The Nigerien government also alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, allegedly aided by foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, was responsible for the December 13, 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.
However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted these claims, expressed its support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the allegations by Niger as unfounded.
The statement by ECOWAS reads in part, “The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.”
ECOWAS characterized Nigeria as a “generous and magnanimous country” that has consistently advanced peace and security efforts not only in the West African subregion but across the African continent.
The Commission called on all member states to prioritize dialogue and avoid making accusations that lack credible evidence.