By Ayomide Otitoju
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected accusations by Niger Republic that Nigeria and other member states are colluding with France to destabilize the country, labeling the claims as “unfounded.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, ECOWAS expressed strong support for Nigeria and its member states, emphasizing their commitment to peace and security in the region.
“The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states,” the statement said.
“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.”
Nigeria’s Track Record on Peace and Security
The regional body highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding efforts to promote stability across Africa.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security in several countries, not only in the West African subregion but also across the African continent. The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), led by Nigeria, demonstrate the country’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and security,” ECOWAS stated.
The organization dismissed the allegations, adding: “Such a generous and magnanimous country could not possibly be a state-sponsor of terrorism.”
Call for Dialogue and Evidence-Based Claims
ECOWAS urged all states in the region to prioritize dialogue and stability and to refrain from making unsupported accusations.
Nigeria Refutes Allegations
The Federal Government of Nigeria also denied Niger’s claims. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris issued a statement refuting the allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger Republic,” Idris stated.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions between Niger’s junta and ECOWAS over the regional body’s stance on restoring constitutional order following a recent coup in the country.
