Niger Accuses Nigeria Of Acting As A “Rear Base” To “Destabilise” Country, Summons Nigerian Diplomat

Relations between the two countries have been strained since Niger’s military took power in a coup in 2023 and withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently leads ECOWAS, had briefly considered military action to restore the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.

However, in August, relations improved when security cooperation resumed between Abuja and Niamey after being suspended due to the coup.

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Yet, fresh tensions have arisen with Niger’s accusations, leading to the Nigerian diplomat’s summons.

Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare stated, “Despite efforts to normalize relations, we regret that Nigeria has not abandoned its role as a rear base for destabilizing Niger with the help of foreign powers and officials from the former regime.”

In a meeting with Niger’s military leader in late August, Nigeria’s top military official had agreed not to destabilize Niger or its neighbors.

Meanwhile, Niger expressed its readiness to re-engage in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT), a group that includes Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, and focuses on combating jihadist groups in the border areas.

Since the coup, Niger has strengthened ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) for strategic cooperation.