France has once again denied allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria offered space in its territory to France to destabilise the former French colony.
France’s Political Counsellor to the Embassy in Nigeria, Bertrand de Seissan, described the allegations as “groundless” and stated that no such discussions had taken place between France and Nigeria.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Seissan said: “This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria.”
Tchiani had claimed that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, to destabilise Niger, and even alleged that France made a substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.
However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also denied these allegations, calling them “baseless” and an attempt to divert attention from Tchiani’s administration’s failures.
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to peace and regional stability, highlighting President Tinubu’s efforts to engage with Niger and restore stability in the region.
The government has also emphasised its leadership in combating terrorism in the region, making it “absurd” to suggest that Nigeria would conspire to undermine its neighbour’s security.
