By John Joseph
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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has vehemently rejected claims made by the Niger Republic that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism. In a statement issued on Thursday, ECOWAS expressed its unwavering support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the allegations as unfounded and lacking credible evidence.
ECOWAS commended Nigeria for its enduring commitment to regional stability, highlighting its leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has made significant strides in combating terrorism and promoting peace in West Africa. The regional body praised 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. This situation arises amid escalating tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic, with Nigerien military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, recently making allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Tchiani claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger Republic, accusing Tinubu of receiving financial incentives from France in exchange for allowing French military presence in a specific area of Borno State. The Nigerien authorities 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, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peaceful relations with Niger. The Federal Government of Nigeria has also denied the allegations, stating that they are baseless and exist solely in the realm of imagination.
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