Friday, December 27, 2024 - The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has rejected claims made by the Nigerien government that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism.
The
Nigerien military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani this week made new
allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria, claiming that President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger Republic.
Tchiani
accused the Nigerian government of receiving finance from France in exchange
for allowing French military presence in a specific area of Borno State.
The
Nigerien government also alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, allegedly
aided by foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, was responsible for the
December 13, 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.
However,
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted these claims, expressed
its support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the
allegations by Niger as unfounded.
The
statement by ECOWAS reads in part, “The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria
and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring
terrorism.”
ECOWAS characterized
Nigeria as a “generous and magnanimous country” that has consistently advanced
peace and security efforts not only in the West African subregion but across
the African continent.
The
Commission called on all member states to prioritize dialogue and avoid making
accusations that lack credible evidence.
0 Comments