The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has
rejected claims that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring
terrorism.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ECOWAS expressed its
support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives and condemned the allegations as
unfounded.
The statement reads in part, “The Commission stands firmly
with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are
sponsoring terrorism.”
ECOWAS commended Nigeria for its enduring commitment to
regional stability, noting its leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force
MNJTF, which has made significant strides in combating terrorism and promoting
peace in West Africa.
The regional body characterized Nigeria as a “generous and
magnanimous country” that has consistently advanced peace and security efforts
not only in the West African subregion but across the African continent.
The Commission called on all member states to prioritize
dialogue and avoid making accusations that lack credible evidence.
This situation arises amid escalating tensions between
Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Nigerien military leader, General
Abdourahamane Tchiani recently made new allegations against the Federal
Government of Nigeria, claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is
collaborating with France to destabilize Niger Republic.
Tchiani accused Tinubu of receiving financial incentives
from France in exchange for allowing French military presence in a specific
area of Borno State.
The Nigerien authorities also alleged that the Lakurawa
terrorist group, allegedly aided by foreign security forces, including
Nigeria’s, was responsible for the December 13, 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin
oil pipeline.
However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted
these claims, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peaceful relations with
Niger.
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