Niamey has accused Nigeria of serving as a base for efforts to destabilize Niger, allegedly collaborating with foreign powers and former Nigerien officials, whom it allegedly provides asylum. The claims follow the December 13 sabotage of the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, with Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare suggesting complicity by Nigerian security forces. However, Nigeria has strongly denied these allegations and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the accusations baseless. Furthermore, it asserted its commitment to combating terrorism and emphasized that the Nigerian security forces were not involved in the attack or in supporting the Lakurawa terrorist group. Tensions between the two nations have escalated since Niger’s 2023 coup, which prompted ECOWAS sanctions and heightened regional divisions. Despite sanctions being lifted in February 2024, diplomatic relations remain strained, with Niger joining the Sahel States Alliance to distance itself from ECOWAS.
SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER
