KEY POINTS
- Baseless Claims: Nigeria and ECOWAS have categorically denied accusations by Niger of collusion with France.
- Nigeria says it has no policy that welcomes foreign military bases within its borders.
- We continue to work towards regional cooperation and the fight again.
Last month, Nigeria and the 15 nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) firmly denied accusations by Niger’s military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani of collusion with France to destabilize his state.
Nigeria’s NSA Ribadu denounces allegations
Malam Nuhu Ribadu the Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Ma has rejected allegations by General Tchiani that Nigeria hosts a French military base near Lake Chad.
Nigeria’s policy against foreign military bases, including from former colonizers such as the United Kingdom, was a longstanding position, Ribadu said.
“If we hadn’t had England, our colonizer, establish a base here, why would we allow France?” ‘Claims like these are baseless,’ Ribadu said in an interview.
Ribadu’s Key Points
Niger’s allegations of a Nigerian—the French military alliance have no base and is not verifiable.
Journalists and the public are invited to visit alleged sites to verify that there are no foreign bases there.
Nigeria’s relations with neighboring country has always been peaceful and ensures unity than interference.
ECOWAS stands with Nigeria
Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in West Africa was defended by the regional body in a statement.
The statement added: ‘Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace is clear in its MNJTF leadership and wide support for regional security.’
Niger’s leadership was urged by ECOWAS to focus on dialogue and avoid making groundless accusations.
Relations strained amid regional instability
The accusations come as relations between Niger and France have grown more strained since Niger’s recent military coup.
Those allegations have also worsened the already tense relations between Niger and Nigeria, which Nigeria has been repeatedly calling for unity in the region.
