By Abiola Olawale
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has defended Nigeria against allegations from Niger’s military junta of purportedly sponsoring destabilization acts targeted at Niger.
These claims were made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, amidst ongoing tensions following a coup in Niger that led to ECOWAS imposing sanctions and contemplating military intervention to restore constitutional order
Tchiani had accused Nigeria of providing homes for two French nationals it expelled, allegedly for anti-government activities, during a televised Christmas Day broadcast on Wednesday.
Tchiani also lashed out against ECOWAS and claimed that France had established a base in Nigeria where it was arming terror groups in the Lake Chad region to foment unrest in his country.
Reacting, ECOWAS, in a Note issued on Thursday, refuted the claims, describing them as false and baseless.
ECOWAS stated: “For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.
“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism.”
ECOWAS’ Note Verbal came after the Federal Government of Nigeria, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, had categorically stated that the country has no alliance with “France or any other country” to destabilise Niger.
