There has been renewed tension between Nigeria and Niger Republic over claims that the anglophone side is supporting militant groups to cause destabilisation in its neighbour’s clime.
Last week, Niamey accused the Nigerian government of assisting forces in a December 13 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline reportedly carried out by the Lakurawa terrorist group.
This is according to Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare in a statement read on state television on the evening of Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Sangare suggested that Abuja is harbouring French troops in the northern part of the country in preparation to destabilise the Niger government.
“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” the Foreign Minister said.
Niger also summoned a top Nigerian diplomat to register a protest over the development.
Nigeria hits back at Niger
Responding to the allegations in a statement on Saturday, the Nigerian foreign ministry expressed strong concerns over Niger’s allegations, stressing that “These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.”
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The statement, issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, refuted “in very strong terms” Nigeria’s involvement in the attack, denying that the attackers “were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.”
“Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger,” added the statement.
Niger and Nigeria on thin ice
Relations between Abuja and Niamey have been stretched tight since General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led military junta toppled President Mohamed Bazoum‘s government in a coup in July 2023.
In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chaired by Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, threatened a regional military intervention to reinstate Niger’s ousted President.
The declaration as well as the sanctions preferred by the regional bloc led to the exit of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from ECOWAS.
Ties warmed in August when Nigeria and Niger resumed security cooperation put on hold since the coup. However, relations appear to have broken down again with the fresh claims and summoning of the Nigerian envoy.
