Alleged Destabilisation: FG Invites General Tchiani Of Niger Republic For Talks
As part of moves to deescalate brewing diplomatic tension between the Republic of Niger and Nigeria, the Federal Government on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, expressed its readiness for “constructive dialogue” with the leadership of the Niger Republic military junta led by General Abdourahman Tchiani.
The Federal Government position was announced in a statement by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in West Africa, stressing that Nigeria respects Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in alignment with ECOWAS principles.
Tuggar therefore called ‘candid discussions to address mutual concerns’ as raised by the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland in Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahman Tchiani.
General Tchiani had accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise the Republic of Niger just as General Tchiani, on Christmas Day, accused France of forging an alliance with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to undermine Niger’s security, allegedly with Nigeria’s knowledge.
Tchiani was quoted by AFP as saying; “Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move”.
However, the Federal Government refuted all the claims by General Tchiani as baseless.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar, in a statement emphasised Nigerian government’s dedication to dialogue and diplomacy as the foundation for resolving regional challenges, stressing that the Federal Government was open to a dialogue between the leadership of the two countries, in alignment with ECOWAS principles.
According to Tuggar; “We welcome and encourage open, constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us in candid discussions to address mutual concerns. We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as a collective support, to alleviate the humanitarian impact on our border communities.
“We call upon regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening divisions,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister assured that Nigeria would not encourage any actions that could undermine the security of Niger, stressing the importance of fostering mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
While stressing the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Niger, the minister stressed the importance of the shared economic interdependence and called for calm amid recent tensions.
Tuggar also cautioned against baseless accusations that could disrupt regional progress and stability, saying that as brothers and neighbours, Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural ties, underscored by trade and economic interdependence.
According to him; “These enduring connections are reminders of our intrinsically linked destinies. Therefore, unfounded allegations cause needless tensions that could cause disaffection and threaten the collective progress of our region.”
Tuggar also said that Nigeria remained committed to diplomacy and mutual respect and expressed optimism that constructive engagement would lead to a more stable and prosperous future for both nations.
According to Tuggar; “Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace. We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together towards a more prosperous and stable future for our people.”
