Nigeria Voices Concern Over Niger's Political Crisis

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed significant concern regarding the political and security situation in the Republic of Niger after an attempted coup in Niamey. Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement in Abuja on Sunday, highlighting the troubling nature of the events given Nigeria's close ties with Niger.

The military junta in Niger reported regaining control after clashes between mutinous soldiers and security forces occurred near key locations, including the presidential palace and a military base at the international airport. The junta described the incident as a "destabilization plot" that had been contained.

The Nigerian government emphasized the need for peace, security, democracy, and development in Niger, noting that stability there directly impacts Nigeria and the broader Sahel region. The statement urged the Nigerien government and its people to collaborate towards an inclusive return to stability and constitutional order, stressing that the use of force to resolve political differences undermines this objective.