Friday, December 27, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) defended Nigeria, which is accused by neighboring Niger of hosting foreign troops and plotting to destabilize it. Nigeria, for its part, denied it outright.
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In an interview broadcast on Wednesday December 25, the military leader of Nigerthe general Abdourahamane Tianiparticularly attacked ECOWAS, asserting that the France had established a base in the north of Nigeriafrom which it would arm terrorist groups to create unrest on the other side of the border.
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Faced with these accusations, the ECOWAS provided support to Nigeria. In a press release, the West African intergovernmental organization “eexpresses its deep concern over allegations against Nigeria and other Member States (….) that they sponsor terrorism “. “ For years, Nigeria has supported peace “, affirms this press release, which mentions “ recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Force (…) which demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security throughout the region. »
Nigeria denies outright
In a separate statement published Thursday, December 26, the Nigerian Minister of Information insists: his country has no alliance “ with France or any other country » to destabilize Niger. The same day, Nigeria’s army chief, General Christopher Musa, strongly denied these assertions during a lunch with soldiers based in the Sokoto region, which shares a border with Niger.
“ Any criminal element using Nigerian soil to attack our neighbors is an enemy of Nigeria » he declared in particular in front of his troops. “ We are one with our neighbors and we will ensure that such threats are neutralized » he continued.
We do not wish to destroy this relationship in any way.
Nigeria’s army chief, Christopher Musa, responds to accusations of destabilization of Niger
A message that he reiterated the same evening on national television NTA, affirming that his country’s only concern is to preserve peace in the region, adding: “ I visited Niger where I was able to discuss all these subjects with the general staff. Our President had charged us to assure them that Nigeria has never allowed and will never allow any foreign base to be established on its soil. We never have and we never will. »
The general also praised the “ special link » between the two countries which share a “ border of 1 500 kilometers “, a ” religion » and a “ common culture “.
Also readNigeria responds to accusations of destabilization of Niger