2024-08-29 19:40:56
Naija247news
ABUJA, Aug 29 - Nigeria and Niger have agreed to enhance their security cooperation despite strained relations following a coup in Niger last year, the Nigerian military announced on Thursday. The nations' defense chiefs signed a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger's capital, on Wednesday, signaling a renewed commitment to regional stability.Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
"Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resuming and strengthening collaboration, with a view to ensuring regional stability and security," stated the Nigerian military after the signing.
Relations between Nigeria and Niger deteriorated after Niger's military junta ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The coup also caused divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), raising concerns about the region's ability to combat Islamist insurgencies. ECOWAS had threatened military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy failed, leading Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to withdraw from the 15-member bloc in January. These countries criticized ECOWAS for not adequately supporting their fight against Islamist violence and subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a new military coalition.
Despite the tensions, Niger has continued to participate, albeit minimally, in the Nigeria-led multinational joint task force combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. This new agreement indicates Niger's willingness to fully re-engage in joint security efforts.
Under the recently signed deal, Niger expressed its "readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force," the Nigerian military said. This move is seen as a significant step towards reinforcing regional security partnerships amidst ongoing political and security challenges.