FG rejects claims Nigeria, ECOWAS backed failed Niger coup

The Federal Government has rejected claims circulating on social media that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported or backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the allegations as false, irresponsible and deliberately designed to damage Nigeria’s reputation.

Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said Nigeria had never supported military coups or any other form of unconstitutional change of government and would not depart from its longstanding commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.

Enikanolaiye, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the narratives circulating online were intended to mislead Nigerians and create confusion over the country’s position on the political and security situation in Niger.

He stressed that Nigeria remained committed to democracy, constitutional governance and regional stability, particularly at a time when West Africa and the wider Sahel continue to grapple with political instability, insecurity and the growing threat of unconstitutional changes of government.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s position on the latest development in Niger had already been clearly articulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

He said the Federal Government had expressed deep concern over developments in the neighbouring country and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process capable of restoring stability and constitutional order.

“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” Enikanolaiye said.

He added: “Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.”

The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in the Sahel, where military takeovers in several countries have significantly altered the regional political landscape and strained relations between ECOWAS and some of its member states.

Niger has been at the centre of the regional crisis since the military takeover that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

The development triggered a major confrontation between the military authorities in Niger and ECOWAS, which threatened military intervention as part of efforts to restore constitutional order.

Although ECOWAS ultimately did not carry out the threatened intervention, the episode deepened political divisions within the region, particularly following the decision by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the regional bloc and establish the Alliance of Sahel States.

Against this background, Enikanolaiye said it was particularly important for Nigerians to distinguish between verified government positions and unsubstantiated narratives being circulated through social media.

He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos, posts and other online materials purporting to show that Nigeria or ECOWAS had endorsed or supported the failed coup attempt.

The minister described the claims as part of an effort to sow discord and mislead the public about Nigeria’s foreign policy and its relations with neighbouring countries.

He said Nigeria’s approach to the Niger crisis was guided by its long-standing commitment to peace, constitutional democracy and regional cooperation.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s relationship with Niger went beyond politics, stressing that both countries shared strong historical, cultural and fraternal ties, as well as extensive economic and security interests.

He said Nigeria therefore desired peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development for Niger, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.

The minister further reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which provides a regional framework for promoting democratic governance and opposing unconstitutional changes of government.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.

According to him, Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and other members of the international community to defend democratic principles, strengthen the rule of law and promote peace and stability across West Africa.

The Federal Government’s position underscores the sensitivity of Nigeria’s role in the region, particularly given its status as one of ECOWAS’s largest and most influential members and its long-standing involvement in efforts to address political instability and security challenges in West Africa.

Enikanolaiye therefore called on Nigerians to rely on official government statements and credible sources when assessing developments in Niger, rather than unverified social media content.

He maintained that Nigeria’s foreign policy remained anchored on respect for constitutional governance, regional peace and the sovereignty of states, while rejecting any suggestion that the country would support the seizure of political power through military force.