ECOWAS Backs Nigeria Against Niger Junta’s Allegations
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said that it stands by the Nigerian government and other ECOWAS member states against the Niger Republic junta’s allegations of military alliance between Nigeria and France.
The ECOWAS, which declared its stand in a statement issued in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the allegations, describing it as unfounded.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, had alleged a conspiracy between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.
The allegations by the Niger Republic junta surfaced in a viral video where General Tchiani accused Nigeria and France of conspiring to undermine Niger’s stability following the recent military takeover.
However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday, described the accusations as unfounded and imaginary.
The Nigerian government insists that its stance on Niger remains consistent with regional efforts to restore democratic order in the country.
Reacting to the allegations, ECOWAS in the statement said, “The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.
“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrates the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.
“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism.
“ECOWAS calls on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.”
