Niger Accuses Nigeria of Supporting Destabilization Efforts Amid Diplomatic Tensions

 

Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare has summoned the chargé d’affaires of Nigeria’s embassy, alleging that Nigeria is acting as a "rear base" for efforts to destabilize the country. The claims, broadcast on Niger’s state television, come amid ongoing tensions between the two West African neighbors.

Diplomatic relations have been strained since Niger's 2023 military coup, which led to the suspension of ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, briefly considered military action to reinstate Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

While there was a temporary thaw in relations in August, marked by the resumption of security cooperation, the situation has deteriorated again. On Wednesday, Sangare accused Nigeria of harboring officials from the previous Nigerien government and working with foreign powers to undermine Niger’s junta-led administration.

“Despite efforts to normalize relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilization of Niger with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime,” Sangare stated in a televised address.

In August, Nigeria’s military leadership assured its commitment to regional stability, with Niger indicating its willingness to participate in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT). The MNJT, a regional security initiative involving Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, plays a critical role in combating jihadist groups across shared borders.

Niger, however, continues to face threats from jihadist factions linked to Boko Haram, the Islamic State, and Al-Qaeda, particularly in the Tillaberi and Diffa regions. Meanwhile, the junta has bolstered its alliance with military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) for strategic cooperation in the region.

The accusations add to the already complex geopolitical tensions in West Africa, as Niger seeks to navigate internal security challenges and evolving regional dynamics.