The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed the terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by the Niger Republic as “unfounded.”
The regional body also said it is solidly behind its members.
The Daily Crucible reports that the Niger Republic military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of conniving with France to destabilise the country.
Tchiani claimed that Nigeria was working with France against his country.
But yesterday, the federal government denied Niger Republic’s allegation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, refuted the allegation in a statement.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger Republic,” the statement read.
“The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.
“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.
“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.
“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.
“ECOWAS therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the statement read in part.
ECOWAS then called on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.
