France has dismissed as “groundless” the accusations made by Niger Republic that Nigeria had offered its territory to France as a base to destabilise the former French colony.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Mr. Bertrand de Seissan, the Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, strongly refuted claims made by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s military junta.
Tchiani had recently alleged that Nigeria was collaborating with France to undermine his country. He accused France of plotting to destabilise Niger by using neighbouring Benin and Nigeria as bases for attacks.
Tchiani, speaking in Hausa during an interview, also claimed that France had been negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to weaken his government.
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He further alleged that France had made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to set up a military base in Nigeria, and claimed that France had met with Boko Haram and Bakurawa (possibly referring to Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria).
However, in his response to NAN, the French Embassy’s political counsellor stated, “This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria.”
The Nigerian government has also firmly rejected the accusations, calling them unfounded and baseless. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “serious concern” over Tchiani’s claims, adding, “There are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger.”
The ministry continued, “These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety. It is important to note that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.”
In addition, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, also refuted the claims during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday. He emphasised that Nigeria would not sever its relationship with France.
“We have always had a relationship with France, it did not start today, and there is nothing different about our relationship with France today. But it does not mean that other countries or other people have to dictate to Nigeria who it should have a relationship with,” Tuggar said.
The minister argued that addressing insecurity and terrorism required partnerships with multiple global powers, including France, the United States, and Russia.
