Tensions between Niger and Nigeria have flared again as Niger’s foreign minister accused Nigeria of serving as a “rear base” for efforts to destabilise the junta-led Sahel nation.
The allegations were made on Wednesday when the Nigerien foreign minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, summoned the Nigerian charge d’affaires in Niamey.
State television aired a statement on Thursday, where Sangare expressed concerns over Nigeria’s alleged support for destabilising activities.
“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said.
Relations between the two countries soured after a 2023 coup in Niger ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a move that led to the country’s suspension from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the ECOWAS chair, initially considered a military intervention to restore Bazoum but later focused on diplomatic efforts.
In August, there seemed to be a thaw in relations as Nigeria and Niger resumed security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT), a coalition involving Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad to combat jihadist activities. However, the recent allegations suggest a significant setback in diplomatic ties.
The security cooperation remains critical as Niger battles jihadist groups linked to Boko Haram, the Islamic State, and Al-Qaeda in its Tillaberi region and the southeastern Diffa area bordering Nigeria.
Despite the accusations, Niger reaffirmed its readiness to continue active participation in the MNJT. A military statement from late August highlighted Niger’s commitment to collaboration, stating that Nigeria’s top military commander had agreed “not to destabilise Niger or any of its neighbours.”
Since the coup, Niger has strengthened ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, both ruled by military juntas, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This strategic confederation seeks to bolster regional security and resist external pressures from entities like ECOWAS.