Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria and Niger have taken a significant step towards strengthening their security cooperation, signing a memorandum of understanding in Niamey on Wednesday. Despite the strained relationship following last year’s coup in Niger, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and security.
The deal, signed by the nations’ defense chiefs, marks a turning point in their bilateral relations, which have been marred by tensions since the military takeover in Niger. The coup has also caused divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), raising concerns about the region’s ability to combat Islamist violence.
ECOWAS had previously threatened to invade Niger if diplomatic efforts to reinstate the ousted government were unsuccessful, leading to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrawing from the bloc. The three countries accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against Islamist insurgency and subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
While Niger has remained a member of the Nigeria-led multinational joint taskforce combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, its participation has been limited. The newly signed deal, however, signals Niger’s willingness to resume active involvement in the security cooperation efforts.
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