The Federal Government has restated its dedication to fostering peace, stability, and regional cooperation in West Africa, following allegations from Niger’s military leadership accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize the country.
The President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, Abdourahman Tchiani, recently alleged that Nigeria was working in concert with France to undermine Niger’s sovereignty. In response, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed the claims and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful resolutions.
Speaking through a statement on Tuesday, Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria has no intention of taking actions that would jeopardize Niger’s security or independence. “We reaffirm our respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in alignment with ECOWAS principles,” he stated.
Tuggar highlighted the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two nations, which are strengthened by trade and economic interdependence. “Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural ties, underscored by trade and economic interdependence,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also called for open dialogue between the two governments, stressing that constructive engagement is the key to resolving mutual concerns. “We welcome and encourage open, constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us in candid discussions to address mutual concerns,” he said.
To address the ongoing challenges, Tuggar proposed confidence-building measures, including collective humanitarian efforts to mitigate the hardships faced by border communities. “We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as collective support, to alleviate the humanitarian impact on our border communities,” he noted.
The Minister further urged regional and international stakeholders to prioritize reconciliation and stability in the region. “We call upon regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening divisions,” he appealed.
Reiterating Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace and diplomacy, Tuggar expressed optimism about the future. “Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace. We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together towards a more prosperous and stable future for our people,” he concluded.
