The regional bloc defended Nigeria and other member states on X (formerly Twitter) after they were accused of sponsoring terrorism.
ECOWAS Communique / Communiqué de la CEDEAO pic.twitter.com/w142VgoteI
— Ecowas - Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) December 26, 2024
Expressing “deep concern” over the allegations, ECOWAS stated, “Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent”.
“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the organization added, reaffirming its strong support for Tinubu’snation.
This statement from the regional institution followed an interview by Niger’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, on the national television channel RTN. He alleged that France, in partnership with Nigeria, had acquired equipment, trained, and funded terrorist groups to destabilize Niger. He also accused neighbor Benin of purchasing over 100 drones, allegedly supplied to terrorists in certain parts of Niger.
In response, Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi issued a statement on December 26 “claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country (Niger, ed)”.
Press Release
— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) December 26, 2024
Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless - FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent… pic.twitter.com/eNx2zZeyxI
As a reminder, On December 20, Niger’s authorities accused Nigeria of attempting to destabilize their country through its pipeline project with Benin. This came after an attack on the pipeline on December 17.
Niger and Nigeria share a 1,500-kilometer land border. Nigeria also faces its own struggles with terrorism, including ongoing threats from ISIS in West Africa (ISWAP), Boko Haram, and Ansaru. These groups have targeted government forces, security personnel, and civilians in the northern and central regions, causing deaths, injuries, and kidnappings, according to the U.S. Department of State.
In 2023, trade between Niger and Nigeria exceeded $85 million, according to the International Trade Center.
• WAEMU’s inflation dropped from 2.2% in March to 1.5% in April 2025• BCEAO attributes the decline t...
This launch is a significant milestone that highlights Rwanda's ongoing digital transformation. With...
BCEAO lowers main rate from 3.50% to 3.25% effective June 16, 2025 Inflation eased to 2.3% in...
• FirstRand receives approval to take over HSBC's South African assets, clients, and staff• Move sup...
Egypt signs deals to import up to 290 LNG cargoes over 30 months, starting in July Trafigura,...
• Eutelsat’s OneWeb launches a satellite ground station in Luanda-Bengo, Angola• Station will connect low-Earth-orbit satellites to telecom infrastructure...
Vodacom to build 106 telecom towers in rural KwaZulu-Natal with $5.6 million investment Expansion aims to close the digital divide and boost...
Government unveils plan to boost cybersecurity after attacks on public platforms Measures include firewalls, training, audits, and a new national...
Solar Panda acquires Zambia’s VITALITE, expanding reach across Southern Africa Company now serves over 450,000 households across Kenya, Senegal,...
Kakum National Park is a protected area located in Ghana’s Central Region, near the city of Cape Coast. Established as a forest reserve in 1931 and...
Located in the Seychelles archipelago, over 1,100 kilometers southwest of Mahé, Aldabra is one of the largest coral atolls in the world. It is composed of...