“History would record the “unfair, illegal, unjust, and inhuman sanctions against Niger under Tinubu’s leadership. Nigeria government’s actions since the military coup in Niger Republic, are not representative of its neighbouring Nigerian people but a misguided few in power, acting in alignment with the agenda of some Western powers with malicious intentions”
Niger Republic’s junta
The junta, in a statement on February 1, 2024, condemned the Nigerian government’s position for not recognizing its sovereignty and freedom to join or exit any organization at will.
It further said Nigeria government’s actions since the military coup in Niger Republic, were not representative of its neighbouring Nigerian people but “a misguided few in power, acting in alignment with the agenda of some Western powers with malicious intentions.”
ASHENEWS recalls that after the military takeover in Niger, other ECOWAS countries led by Nigeria, imposed sanctions on Niger, and the lingering crisis within the bloc, has resulted in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s announcement that they have exited the bloc, a position that the ECOWAS body reacted, insisting that Niger follows a one-year notice to be legally valid.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens abroad expresses its surprise at the denial of reality and international law in which the Nigerian authorities seem to be moving in refusing to admit for the sovereign Republic of Niger, the ability to withdraw from regional organization which, moreover, has been truly diverted from its noble missions and no longer meets the legitimate aspirations of the Nigerien people and all the peoples of the Alliance of Sahel States.”
Niger described a recent Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as “impertinent and condescending”, adding that a small group of individuals were allegedly in the pay of foreign powers.
While criticizing ECOWAS for not demonstrating compassion or providing significant support during the Sahel security crisis and the fight against terrorism, the junta stressed that Niger’s sovereign decision to exit ECOWAS, made in solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, was a carefully considered step.
The junta accused ECOWAS of being influenced by certain foreign powers and being a threat to the peoples of the Sahel and its member states.
On Nigeria’s role in the current debacle, Niger regretted that history would record the “unfair, illegal, unjust, and inhuman sanctions against Niger under the leadership of the President of Nigeria”, the current President of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government.
While faulting Nigeria’s sanctions, including cutting off electrical supply, blocking the supply of pharmaceutical and food products to Niger, it alleged that Nigeria was sheltering fugitives from the fallen regime and engaging in actions to destabilize Niger with the complicity of certain ECOWAS states supported by France.
The military junta cautioned the Nigerian government to exercise restraint and preserve the age-old bonds of fraternity for the best interests of the two peoples.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad reaffirms Niger’s commitment to respecting international law and maintaining sincere relations of friendship and cooperation with peace and justice-loving countries and peoples,” the statement reads.
