Niger Republic President’s ‘Attack’ on Nigeria Backfires, Sparks Controversy at Home

Niger Republic’s president faces backlash domestically after criticizing Nigeria, with his comments backfiring and fueling national controversy.

President Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger Republic is facing significant domestic criticism after he accused Nigeria of plotting to destabilize his country.

In a Christmas Day address, Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was hosting French soldiers near Lake Chad and setting up training camps for terrorists in the states of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.

He claimed that these activities were coordinated to destabilize Niger.

The Nigerian government has firmly denied these allegations. Officials including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, have labeled the claims as unfounded.

The comments have ignited backlash from Nigerien citizens on social media, with many rejecting Tchiani’s claims as baseless. Critics contend that the president is making these accusations to distract from his administration’s shortcomings since toppling Mohamed Bazoum in a palace coup 17 months prior.

A commentator claimed that the regime had directed its supporters to spread false stories about a French-led invasion, supposedly in collaboration with neighboring countries such as Nigeria.

Maidalili Namu, a prominent critic, expressed his frustrations on the Muduba Mugani podcast, condemning the Tchiani administration for not delivering on its promises to stabilize Niger. “You have been in power for 17 months, isolated in luxury and misled by inaccurate information that skews your perception,” Namu remarked in a video released by PR Nigeria.

He went on to criticize the regime for escalating tensions with neighboring nations and neglecting Niger’s urgent issues, such as economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment. “Nigeriens are tired of your repetitive statements that bring no progress,” he remarked.

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Another commentator, Hamid Ahmadu, highlighted discrepancies in Tchiani’s assertions by questioning why he hadn’t taken action against supposed terrorist hubs in the region if he truly had reliable intelligence about their whereabouts.

Allegations have emerged suggesting that the Nigerien military is disseminating false information to rally public support for the junta. Defense expert Zagazola, reporting from Nigeria’s North East, refuted assertions regarding a French military base in Borno State, calling them “unfounded.”

“There is no reliable proof of foreign military forces in the areas referred to by Tchiani,” stated Zagazola, emphasizing that these regions are mainly controlled by terrorist organizations such as ISWAP and Boko Haram.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu rejected the accusations, stating: “Nigeria has consistently prohibited foreign troops from entering its borders, even during colonial times. Why would we alter our position now?”

Ribadu encouraged Niger to prioritize a united front against terrorism instead of fueling needless conflicts. He stated, “Terrorism is our common adversary, not one another. We need to collaborate to protect our communities and stand firm against outside interference.”