The Federal Government has dismissed as false and irresponsible social media claims that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger. Officials insisted the narratives were deliberately spread to harm Nigeria’s reputation and create confusion about its stance on the crisis.
Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, released a statement on Thursday denying the allegations. He stated that Nigeria had consistently opposed military coups and any other form of unconstitutional government change. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.
Enikanolaiye clarified that Nigeria, as a proud ECOWAS member, neither endorses nor condones the military coup in Niger. He maintained that Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional changes of government, regardless of the country involved.
Related: Agroforestry drive plants 24,000 trees in Bauchi
Tensions in the Sahel region have escalated, with military takeovers in several countries significantly straining relations between ECOWAS and some member states. Niger, particularly, has been at the center of the crisis since the military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
This incident triggered a major confrontation between Niger’s military and ECOWAS, which threatened military intervention. Though intervention did not occur, the episode deepened regional divisions, with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrawing from ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States.
Given Nigeria’s influential role in ECOWAS, its position holds significant weight in regional diplomacy. The country has long been involved in addressing West African political instability and security challenges, making unfounded coup support claims particularly damaging to its credibility.
Enikanolaiye urged Nigerians to distinguish between verified government positions and unsubstantiated online narratives. He warned against videos, posts, and other materials claiming Nigeria or ECOWAS supported the failed coup, describing them as efforts to sow discord and mislead the public.
Related: Claude launches AI tool for K-12 teachers
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s stance on the Niger crisis is guided by its commitment to peace, constitutional democracy, and regional cooperation. He noted that Nigeria and Niger share strong historical, cultural, and economic ties, with Nigeria desiring peace and security for Niger and the broader region.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional government changes. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to defending democratic principles, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
Enikanolaiye called on Nigerians to rely on official government statements and credible sources when evaluating developments in Niger, rather than unverified social media content. He maintained that Nigeria’s foreign policy rejects any suggestion that it would support seizing political power through military force.