Niger Ousted President At The Forefront As Nigeria And Niger Focus On Diplomacy

Niger Ousted President At The Forefront As Nigeria And Niger Focus On Diplomacy

The foreign ministers of Nigeria and Niger convened on Wednesday to discuss cross-border security, terrorism, and economic collaboration, despite ongoing tensions following the July 2023 coup in Niger.

This meeting occurred shortly after Nigeria reiterated its demand for the release of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who remains under strict detention at the presidential palace in Niamey….READ MORE…

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar visited Niamey for discussions with Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare. This marks only the second visit by a senior Nigerian official since the coup, following a visit by General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s defense chief, in August.

According to a joint statement from the ministers, “The discussions occurred in a very cordial atmosphere, allowing for a thorough examination of the challenges facing both nations.”

Key topics of discussion included the terror threat along their borders, which is significantly hindering the effective implementation of development programs.

In terms of economic cooperation, the ministers explored the railway project connecting the Nigerian cities of Kano and Katsina to Maradi in Niger, which is anticipated to be completed by 2026. They also deliberated on the construction of the Trans-Sahara Highway and the planned Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, as well as matters related to customs and taxation.

Earlier this year, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), criticizing the bloc for its inadequate response to jihadism. All three nations are currently governed by military juntas and are experiencing frequent jihadist attacks. As a result, they have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States, seeking to shift their allegiance from former colonial power France towards Russia.