France has dismissed allegations from Niger’s military leader that Nigeria offered its territory for operations against Niger, calling the claims unfounded. Both France and Nigeria have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peaceful relations despite the allegations. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister stressed the need for collaborative efforts with various global powers to effectively tackle security issues emanating from the region.
On Wednesday, France described the allegations made by Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, as “groundless,” which claimed that Nigeria had consented to use its territory as a base for France to destabilize Niger. Mr. Bertrand de Seissan, the Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, firmly rejected these assertions during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, emphasizing that discussions of such nature had never occurred.
Gen. Tchiani alleged that France was in collusion with Nigeria to undermine Niger’s stability and claimed that there were negotiations between France and terrorist groups operating within Nigeria. He proposed that France had initiated plans to establish a military base within Nigeria following a significant financial transaction with President Bola Tinubu. Despite these assertions, Mr. de Seissan reiterated that there is no basis for such allegations.
In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria also categorically denied these claims, characterizing them as unfounded. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed serious concerns regarding Tchiani’s statements and highlighted that there are no French troops in northern Nigeria meant to destabilize Niger. Nigeria expressed a commitment to maintaining amicable relations with Niger for mutual benefit.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed this stance during an appearance on Arise TV. He emphasized that Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with France remains unchanged despite external pressures and reiterated the necessity of engaging with multiple global allies to address regional insecurity and terrorism effectively. Tuggar underscored that collaboration with major powers, including France, is essential for tackling the challenges posed by terrorist activities and arms trafficking stemming from Libya.
French President Emmanuel Macron responded to these developments during a foreign policy conference, dismissing notions that France was forced out of the Sahel region. He characterized the reactions of Sahelian leaders as “ungrateful” and suggested a shift in priorities amongst their citizens away from the fight against terrorism.
The tension between France and Niger stems from the recent accusations made by Niger’s military government, alleging a conspiracy involving Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger. This situation highlights the broader complexities of international relations in the Sahel region, where issues of security, terrorism, and local governance are intertwined. Nigeria’s importance in regional diplomacy, along with its longstanding ties with France, places it in the center of these diplomatic disputes.
In summary, both France and Nigeria have strongly refuted claims made by Niger’s military junta regarding alleged conspiracies to destabilize Niger using Nigerian territory. Both nations affirm the importance of their ongoing cordial relationship and the necessity of cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. The situation illustrates the delicate balance of international relations influenced by security concerns and political dynamics in the Sahel region.
Original Source: punchng.com
