The Foreign Minister of Niger, Bakary Yaou Sangare, recently summoned the Nigerian charge d’affaires to accuse Nigeria of acting as a rear base for efforts to destabilize Niger. This accusation is part of escalating tensions between the two countries following the 2023 military coup in Niger. Niger’s military government has expressed concerns that Nigeria, despite efforts to normalize relations, continues to support actions that destabilize the country, with allegations of Nigerian complicity alongside foreign powers.
The tension had eased briefly when Nigeria and Niger resumed security cooperation in August 2024, after Nigeria’s military leadership pledged not to interfere in Niger’s internal matters. However, the recent summoning of the Nigerian envoy suggests a renewed deterioration in relations.
Niger’s military government has been fighting jihadists linked to groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram in regions bordering Nigeria. Niger has sought stronger ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, forming a strategic alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
