The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it is solidly behind Nigeria and other member states being accused by Niger Republic of sponsoring terrorist attacks against it.
Niger Republic had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country.
However, ECOWAS in a statement on Thursday described the allegations as “unfounded”.
“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.
The Federal Government had on Thursday denied Niger Republic’s allegation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the rebuttal 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.
