Niger Republic has expressed its concern over the deteriorating relationship between Nigeria and itself, stating that Nigeria is endangering the neighborly and fraternal ties that exist between the two nations.
This comes as a result of Nigeria’s failure to acknowledge the assistance provided by Niger Republic during the Biafran civil war. Additionally, Niger Republic, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, recently announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three countries, which are currently under military leadership, criticized ECOWAS for imposing sanctions on them in an attempt to reverse the coups in their respective nations. They also cited ECOWAS’ departure from the principles of pan-Africanism and its inability to address the security and terrorism challenges in their countries as reasons for their withdrawal.
Nigeria, on the other hand, condemned the exit of these three nations from ECOWAS. In response, Niger Republic emphasized the crucial role it played in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty during the Biafran civil war.
The government of Niger Republic expressed deep regret that the unfair and inhumane sanctions against their country were imposed under the leadership of the President of Nigeria, who is currently the president of the ECOWAS conference of heads of state and government. They further stated that ECOWAS has now become a threat to the Sahel region and its member states due to its irresponsible actions.
Nigeria, despite our close ties as neighbors, imposed additional punitive measures such as cutting off the supply of electricity without discrimination and blocking the supply of pharmaceutical and food products to Niger, in addition to the irresponsible sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. However, Niger believes that Nigeria has no right to lecture us on morality, democracy, governance, or patriotism.
We urge them to show restraint and come together to avoid jeopardizing our long-standing bonds of fraternity, which should be preserved for the benefit of our people.
