Niger Government Accuses Nigeria Of Destabilisation, Summons Diplomatic Representative

The Nigerien government has accused Nigerian security officials and others of complicity in attacks on the Niger-Benin pipeline in the Dosso region, near the towns of Dioundiou, Lido, and Karakara.

Niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires (diplomatic representative) of the Nigerian embassy in Niamey on Wednesday, December 18, to protest attempts to destabilise the country.

State broadcaster RTN reported that the attacks were organised from Nigeria with the involvement of “fugitives from the former regime” in Niger. These individuals, allegedly working with certain Nigerian officials, are accused of planning “subversive acts” aimed at destabilising Niger by inciting violence in its towns and villages.

The Nigerien government condemned the actions, describing them as “abject attacks” and “shameful attempts to destabilise a brother country.” It also criticised Nigerian authorities’ “complicit silence” in addressing the acts, despite public commitments to normalise bilateral relations.

Beyond the pipeline sabotage, Niger also raised concerns about foreign forces’ presence near its borders, including camps reportedly under construction in Gigani and Gidan Kata on the Nigerian side.

Despite these tensions, Niger reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security and to cooperating with “peace-loving countries” in a spirit of mutual respect.

Relations between Niger and Nigeria have been strained since a military coup in Niger in July 2023. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria, imposed sanctions, including border closures and the suspension of electricity supplies to Niger.

Following this, it will be recalled that on August 2, West Africa Weekly founder, David Hundeyin, exposed that the Nigerian military, on the order of President Bola Tinubu, intended to invade and attack Niger.

Meanwhile, efforts at reconciliation have been made. In August 2024, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Niamey to discuss revitalising security cooperation. The visit resulted in a memorandum of understanding to strengthen military collaboration between the two nations.

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