RE-PLANNING MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN NIAMEY AND ABUJA: A beneficial decision that must call on others

A new page has certainly opened in relations between Niger and Nigeria which, as we know, has remained frozen since the coup d’état on July 26, 2023 that brought down President Mohamed Bazoum. Indeed, what was unimaginable in recent times has just happened between the two West African neighbours. This is a high-ranking Nigerian delegation that was welcomed on August 28 in Niamey. A delegation led by the Chief of General Staff of the Nigerian Army, General Christopher Musa, the same one who was one of the great defenders of the military force of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose mission was to free the putschists who defeated the elected president in Niger. Clearly, both countries have buried the hatchet. As they have just injected new dynamism into their bilateral relations. Indeed, according to a press release from the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, Niamey and Abuja have decided to resume their military cooperation after more than a year of interruption linked to the July 2023 putsch. In view of the security danger that disturbs the peace their respective populations, the two Armies have chosen to join despite the political differences that exist between the two capitals.

It is through a warm understanding that our countries will succeed in meeting the security challenge.

It is a posture that must be welcomed in the sense that it contributes to the relaxation between the two neighbours. Above all, it could be profitable in the fight against armed terrorist groups, especially Boko Haram and organized crime. We can never say it enough. No one is safe from the terrorist hydra that continues to extend its tentacles in the sub-region. This scourge, which today is a real challenge for African leaders and even world leaders, imposes the need to act in a synergy of actions. Indeed, it is through joining hands and friendly understanding that our countries will succeed in meeting the security challenge. In any case, Niger and its neighbor Nigeria have just set an example. And we must hope that this “reconciliation” between Niamey and Abuja will open the way for another, especially the road between Niamey and Cotonou. In fact, these two capitals also maintain complex relations since Benin declared support for the ECOWAS military intervention against the authors of the coup d’état that overthrew President Bazoum. Efforts to de-escalate have been made. But they are still struggling to produce results, as the Nigerien borders are still closed to Benin despite calls from the authorities in Cotonou. This is a situation that goes against the spirit of African integration and unity which is thus advocated for a united, united and prosperous Africa. In any case, the rain of terrorism is already destroying these two countries, so much so that they should not spend time fighting each other anymore. Because their estrangement does not benefit either of them, except their true common enemy which is the terrorist hydra who benefits from it and would like to see them always divided.

Siaka CISSE