By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerien government is under fire from its citizens and regional observers following its accusations that Nigeria orchestrated the recent sabotage of an oil pipeline between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region.
Despite claims of possessing “concrete evidence” against Nigeria, the Niger government has yet to present any substantiating proof, leading to widespread skepticism and criticism.
On December 18, 2024, Nigerien authorities summoned Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to account for the alleged involvement of Nigerian officials in the pipeline attack.
The Nigerien Minister of Energy accused Nigeria of conspiring with foreign powers implicitly referencing France to destabilize Niger by targeting its critical energy infrastructure.
The Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare said in a statement read on national television late Thursday that it has summoned the Charge D’affaires at the Nigerian Embassy, Niamey over allegations of “serving as a rear base” to “destabilise” the country.
“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said.
These allegations arise amid heightened tensions following Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The accusations have ignited a wave of criticism among Nigeriens, many of whom view their government as clueless and unfocused.
They see these moves as indicative of a government struggling to maintain control and shifting blame to external actors to mask internal security failures.
One critic argued that the leadership is deflecting blame for its failure to secure strategic facilities and prevent attacks, Abdoulaye Boubacar, remarked: “When you are sovereign, you ensure the security of your strategic facilities.” he said.
Some observers interpret the accusations as a misguided attempt to isolate Nigeria due to its close ties with France, a nation that Niger’s junta has frequently accused of interference.
“This is not about facts. This is about Nigeria’s relationship with France,” stated Abdou Pagoui, a public commentator.
Amadou Harouna, another resident said Niger’s government is at a critical juncture, and its reliance on external blame is increasingly seen as a dangerous distraction from pressing internal issues. By failing to acknowledge its own security shortcomings, Niger risks exacerbating its vulnerabilities.
The economic fallout from leaving ECOWAS, coupled with internal security lapses, has already compounded the challenges facing the nation.
“The decision to exit ECOWAS was shortsighted and has brought more harm than good,” remarked a regional analyst. “Blaming Nigeria or anyone else will not solve Niger’s problems.” Said Harouna.