Nigeria: Denies Backing Niger Coup, Calls Claims 'Baseless'

• Nigeria has officially denied claims that it supported a recent failed coup attempt in Niger.
• Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the allegations as false and mischievous.
• Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional order and democratic governance across West Africa.
• The failed coup, which occurred between August 28-29, was thwarted by Russian-backed Africa Corps and elite presidential forces.
• Nigeria pledges continued collaboration with ECOWAS and the AU to promote regional stability and uphold the rule of law.

He underscored Nigeria's unwavering commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance across the West African sub-region, emphasizing that the nation would never condone any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.

Nigeria has firmly refuted allegations suggesting its involvement or endorsement of a recent failed coup attempt in neighboring Niger. The Nigerian government labeled these claims as "false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public." These assertions specifically implied that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and by extension Nigeria, had lent support to the putschists.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, confirmed that his ministry had taken note of these "false and mischievous claims." He underscored Nigeria's unwavering commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance across the West African sub-region, emphasizing that the nation would never condone any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.

The Minister further articulated Nigeria's consistent foreign policy, which views the resolution of political disagreements through force as fundamentally contrary to its objectives. He described Nigeria as a "peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability" not only within West Africa but also across the Sahel and the broader African continent. This principled stance means Nigeria will never support any form of illegality or unconstitutional power seizure.

Nigeria's position on the matter was previously articulated in a statement released on August 29, expressing profound concern over the incident and advocating for the restoration of constitutional order and the rule of law. Mr. Enikanolaiye reiterated that Nigeria, as a close neighbor with deep historical and cultural ties to Niger, holds a strong desire for peace, security, democracy, and development for the country, the wider sub-region, and the Sahel. Any unconstitutional change of government is therefore met with deep concern by Abuja.

The allegations against Nigeria emerged in the wake of a significant but ultimately unsuccessful power grab in Niger. Between August 28 and 29, mutinous soldiers abandoned their positions on the front lines and launched an attempt to overthrow Abdourahamane Tchiani, who leads the Niger junta. The conspirators targeted key strategic locations, including Air Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport, and also tried to breach the heavily fortified perimeter of the presidential palace.

However, the Niger failed coup attempt was thwarted through a coordinated effort by Russian-backed Africa Corps forces and elite presidential units. Reports indicate that this joint response resulted in the killing and arrest of some of the young soldiers involved in the putsch. This failed insurrection provided the backdrop for the subsequent "mischievous" claims that Nigeria, a prominent member of ECOWAS, had somehow endorsed or supported the military action.

Mr. Enikanolaiye strongly condemned suggestions that Nigeria, despite its active membership in ECOWAS, would ever endorse or condone military coups, labeling such assertions as "unfair, mischievous, and entirely false." He urged all Nigerians, both domestically and abroad, to dismiss online videos and narratives that falsely depict Nigeria as supporting the attempted coup, warning that such content is designed to sow discord and misinformation.

Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to key regional frameworks, including the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union's policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. The Minister affirmed that Nigeria will continue its collaborative efforts with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the broader international community to safeguard democratic principles, uphold the rule of law, and foster peace and stability throughout the region.

This article reinforces Nigeria's commitment to constitutional order and regional stability, which is crucial for legal and compliance professionals advising clients on political risk, investment, and trade within ECOWAS and the broader West African region. It signals a consistent policy stance against unconstitutional changes of government, informing risk assessments for businesses operating in or with these jurisdictions.

Source: Reporting based on Premium Times coverage.