The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has shown solidarity with its members while describing the terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by the Niger Republic as ‘unfounded’.
Niger Republic has accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country. An allegation that Nigeria has refuted.
ECOWAS has however, in a statement on Thursday, has expressed concerns over the allegation, describing it as unfounded.
The statement read in part:
“The Commission of the Economic and West African States (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.”
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.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had on Thursday made a rebuttal of the allegations in a statement, amid claims by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria was working with France against his country.
“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.
