Nigeria Won’t Undermine Sovereignty of Niger, Says Federal Government
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured that it will never take any actions that would undermine the sovereignty of its neighbor, Niger Republic, despite allegations made by Niger’s military junta.
The Nigerien military authorities had accused Nigeria of collaborating with France and certain West African countries to destabilize Niger through terrorism. In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, issued a statement on Tuesday emphasizing the country’s commitment to peace, stability, and regional harmony in West Africa.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to dialogue as the foundation for sustainable solutions, clarifying that it would not engage in any activities that could undermine Niger’s sovereignty or security.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its desire for dialogue, which is the cornerstone of sustainable solutions. Therefore, we will not embark on any actions to undermine the sovereignty and security of Niger,” the statement said.
Nigeria highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations, noting that these relationships are vital to their shared future. The statement condemned the unfounded allegations, warning that such accusations could create unnecessary tensions and hinder regional progress.
Furthermore, the Nigerian government reiterated its respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, consistent with the principles of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). It called for open and constructive dialogue between the two governments and invited Niger’s leadership to engage in discussions to address mutual concerns.
Nigeria also proposed exploring confidence-building measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact on border communities and urged regional and international partners to support efforts for reconciliation and stability in the region. The statement concluded by emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect, and peace, expressing confidence that constructive engagement would lead to a more prosperous and stable future for both nations.
