Niger Summons Nigerian Diplomat Amid Tensions Over Alleged Destabilisation Attempts
Niger’s foreign ministry has summoned Nigeria’s charge d’affaires, accusing the neighboring country of being a “rear base” for attempts to destabilize the junta-led nation. This development underscores the strained relations between Niger and Nigeria since the 2023 coup in Niamey.
Key Developments
- Accusations Against Nigeria
- Niger alleges that Nigeria, with the involvement of “foreign powers” and allies of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, is undermining its stability.
- The claims were delivered in a statement by Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare and aired on national television.
- Historical Tensions
- Relations deteriorated following the military takeover in Niger and its subsequent exit from ECOWAS.
- Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, as ECOWAS chair, had initially considered a regional military intervention to reinstate civilian governance.
- Efforts to Normalize Relations
- Ties briefly improved in August with the resumption of Nigeria-Niger security cooperation and discussions under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT).
- The MNJT, comprising Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, focuses on combating jihadist threats in border regions.
- Niger’s Strategic Shift
- Since the coup, Niger has strengthened ties with neighboring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- Security Context
- Niger continues to battle jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram, particularly in regions bordering Nigeria and other Sahel nations.
Outlook
The allegations highlight deepening mistrust between Niger and Nigeria, potentially complicating regional security collaborations. Restoring mutual trust remains critical for addressing shared threats, including jihadist insurgencies.
