Nigeria denies colluding with France to destabilise Niger

Nigeria has denounced Niger’s army chief, Brig General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing him of colluding with France to destabilize the government-led country.

In an interview on Christmas Day, General Tchiani accused France of collaborating with terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, he said Nigeria is aware of.

“The Nigerian authorities are not aware of this,” General Tchiani was quoted as saying by AFP.

In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, told BBC Hausa that the allegations were “baseless” and “false”.

Mr. Ribadu said Nigeria will not destroy Niger state or allow any calamity to befall it.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the allegation was baseless and “a diversion aimed at covering up the failings of his administration”.

“These allegations exist only in the mind. Nigeria has never entered into any agreement, overt or covert, with France – or any other country – to undermine Niger Republic,” Idris said.

Idris also denied destroying pipelines and agriculture in Niger, which he blamed.

General Tchiani’s comments have exacerbated tensions between the diplomats and Nigeria, which have already been strained since the 2023 military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The West African regional body, Ecowas, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, imposed economic sanctions on Niger and threatened to intervene if the country’s constitution is not restored.

Ecowas defended Nigeria in a statement on Thursday against the allegations.

“Over the years, Nigeria has contributed to the peace and security of several countries not only in West Africa but also in Africa,” the bloc said in a statement on Thursday.

“Ecowas therefore rejects any suggestion that this generous and respectable country is supporting terrorists,” it said.

Two weeks ago, Ecowa approved the withdrawal of three military-led countries, including Nigerafter refusing to restore democratic rule.

Since the coup, Niger has urged France and other Western countries to disarm and form security alliances with neighbors led by the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso.