Niger Accuses Nigeria of Supporting Destabilization Efforts

• Niger’s military government accused Nigeria of facilitating destabilization efforts, summoning Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires amid escalating tensions between the countries
• Niger’s Foreign Minister claimed Nigeria serves as a base for destabilization, despite previous assurances of non-interference in Niger’s internal affairs

Niger’s military-led government has accused Nigeria of facilitating actions aimed at destabilizing the country. This claim was made on Thursday when Niger’s foreign minister summoned Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires.

State television reported the accusation, escalating tensions between the neighbouring nations. Relations have been strained since Niger’s 2023 military coup, which disrupted ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, serving as ECOWAS chair, previously considered regional military intervention to restore Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum.

However, both nations resumed security cooperation in August, raising hopes for improved relations.

Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s alleged actions.

“Despite efforts to normalize relations, Nigeria continues to serve as a base for destabilization, with support from foreign powers and officials of the former regime,” Sangare said in a televised statement.

This accusation follows Nigeria’s assurance in August that it would not interfere in Niger’s internal affairs. At the time, Niger also signalled a willingness to enhance cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT), which combats regional threats.

The MNJT, comprising forces from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has played a vital role in countering jihadist groups in border areas.

Niger’s military government is also battling jihadists linked to Boko Haram, the Islamic State group, and Al-Qaeda in its Tillaberi and Diffa regions.

Since the 2023 coup, Niger has strengthened alliances with Mali and Burkina Faso, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a strategic confederation of military-led governments.