France has denied claims from Niger’s military leader that Nigeria is collaborating with it to destabilize Niger, describing the allegations as groundless. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a cordial relationship and highlighted the need for cooperative strategies to combat regional security challenges without yielding to external pressures. French President Macron also reflected on France’s enduring presence in the Sahel amid ongoing tensions.
On Wednesday, France firmly rejected allegations from the Niger Republic claiming that Nigeria has offered its territory for French operations aimed at destabilizing Niger. This assertion was labeled as “groundless” by Mr. Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria. The allegations, made by Niger’s military junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, asserted that Nigeria and France were coordinating efforts to undermine his government by utilizing Nigeria’s territory and negotiating with terrorist groups within the country.
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized these claims as unfounded, asserting they should be dismissed entirely. The ministry, through spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed concerns regarding the serious accusations and clarified that no French military presence exists in Nigeria that could threaten Niger’s government. They emphasized that the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and France is rooted in mutual respect and non-interference in domestic matters, aiming to maintain peaceful relations for the benefit of both nations.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the commitment to collaboration with France amidst the unfolding situation. Tuggar indicated that Nigeria’s historical ties with France remain intact, asserting that the country maintains the autonomy to pursue international relations free of external pressures, referencing the necessity of partnering with multiple global powers to address security challenges. He underscored the importance of a broad coalition in tackling the significant threats posed by terrorism and arms trafficking, particularly emphasizing the ongoing turmoil stemming from Libya.
French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed these tensions, claiming at a foreign policy conference that France has not been expelled from the Sahel, accusing certain Sahelian leaders of being “ungrateful” as their focus shifts from anti-terrorism efforts. Macron’s comments reflect the ongoing complexities of international relations within the region and the challenges faced in maintaining stability across borders.
The recent allegations from Niger’s military leader highlight the heightened tensions between the Niger Republic and France, particularly in the context of military cooperation and security in the Sahel region. Following a military coup in Niger, there have been growing concerns over the influence of former colonial powers and their involvement in West African affairs. This situation places strain on Nigeria’s relationship with both Niger and France, especially as Nigeria seeks to position itself as a regional leader while navigating its diplomatic ties amid escalating security threats from extremist groups throughout the region.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Niger’s military leader claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger are broadly rejected by both the French and Nigerian governments. The responses from authorities stress the importance of maintaining friendly diplomatic relations, emphasizing cooperation to address regional security challenges effectively. As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the imperative of fostering a comprehensive approach against terrorism and instability remains crucial for future cooperation.
Original Source: punchng.com
