France has dismissed allegations by Niger Republic that Nigeria offered its territory to France as a base for destabilizing the former French colony. The Political Counsellor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria refuted the claims made by the leader of the Niger military junta. The leader had accused France of plotting with Nigeria to undermine his country by using neighboring Benin and Nigeria as bases for attacks.
The French Embassy’s political counsellor stated that the allegations were groundless and had never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria also denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over the claims and emphasized the cordial relationship between Nigeria and France, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria further refuted the claims but maintained that Nigeria would not sever its relationship with France. He emphasized the need for partnerships with various global powers, including France, the United States, and Russia, to address insecurity and terrorism in the region effectively.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed claims that France was forced out of the Sahel region and criticized Sahelian leaders as “ungrateful.” Macron suggested that the citizens of Sahelian countries have shifted priorities away from combating terrorism.