Nigeria Rejects Claims of Collusion with France to Destabilize Niger
Accusations Heighten Tensions Between Niger and Nigeria Amid Regional Crisis
- Niger's leader accuses Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country
- Nigeria's National Security Adviser and Information Minister strongly deny the allegations
- Diplomatic relations worsen as Niger seeks military alliances with Mali and Burkina Faso
Niger’s leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has accused neighboring Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country, citing alleged links between France and militant groups in the Lake Chad region.
Tchiani claims that Nigerian authorities are aware of these covert operations, but Nigeria has strongly denied the allegations.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu dismissed the accusations as “baseless” and “false,” asserting that Nigeria would never harm Niger. Information Minister Mohammed Idris also rejected the claims, calling them a “diversionary tactic” to shift focus from Tchiani’s administration’s failures.
The dispute has heightened tensions between the two nations, already strained since Niger’s military coup in 2023. Ecowas, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has supported Nigeria, condemning the idea of Nigeria as a sponsor of terrorism. The regional bloc also recently approved the withdrawal of three military-led countries, including Niger, from Ecowas following their refusal to reinstate democratic rule.
Niger continues to press for the withdrawal of French and Western military forces, while seeking alliances with fellow junta-led nations, Mali and Burkina Faso.
