Lakurawa: France slams Niger Rep over ‘groundless’ allegation

The French government denounced claims by General Abdourahamane Tchiani that the Nigerian government had offered its territory as a base to initiate an attack against the Niger Republic.

Speaking in Abuja recently, Political Counsellor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Mr. Bertrand de Seissan, described the allegation by the Niger military junta as groundless, adding that the topic has never been discussed nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria.

“This has never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria,” Bertrand told NAN.

Tchiani, speaking in Hausa during an interview, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to undermine his government.

He also claimed that France had made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.

“They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani alleged.

In a statement by its spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied these allegations, describing them as baseless.

The Federal Government expressed “serious concern” about Tchiani’s allegations and “states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger.”

“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety. It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” the ministry said.

The ministry assured that Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.