Analysts Welcome Nigeria’s Security Pact with Niger
Summary
Nigeria and Niger have signed a significant security cooperation pact aimed at enhancing regional stability following a coup in Niger. The agreement reaffirmed Niger’s participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force, indicative of increasing military diplomacy. Analysts view this development positively, believing it could lead to further collaboration among West African nations facing security threats from militant groups.
Nigeria and Niger have formalized a security cooperation agreement that aims to enhance regional stability, especially following the political upheaval in Niger caused by a coup a year ago. This significant pact, announced by the Nigerian army through a communique, was signed by defense chiefs from both nations in Niamey, the capital of Niger. This marks the first military agreement that has occurred post the coup in July 2023, which resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum and escalated tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Nigerian military indicated that under this agreement, Niger has committed to reengaging with the Multinational Joint Task Force, a cooperative security alliance in the region. Security analyst Saheed Shehu has expressed optimism about the agreement, citing it as a positive step for Nigeria, Niger, and the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He highlighted that this development represents the initial application of military diplomacy in response to the stalemate caused by the coup. This initiative follows a recent visit by Nigeria’s chief of defense staff. The coup significantly strained Nigeria’s relations with Niger, particularly after ECOWAS imposed strict sanctions on Niger under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, coupled with threats of military intervention. The region has been grappling with the menace of Islamist militants, including Boko Haram. Shehu emphasized the potential benefits of the Nigeria-Niger agreement, suggesting that its successful implementation could foster greater stability not only in Niger but also in surrounding nations such as Burkina Faso and Mali. He advised President Tinubu, the chairman of ECOWAS, to consider extending similar military diplomacy to these countries. In response to their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’s handling of security concerns, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso collectively decided to withdraw from the regional bloc in January. They subsequently formed a confederation, alleging that ECOWAS has failed to effectively address the increasing insecurity. While ECOWAS has not dismissed the idea of military intervention in Niger, it appears to be prioritizing dialogue with the military-led government of Niger. Political affairs analyst Ahmed Buhari criticized ECOWAS for its prior strategies, arguing for a more collaborative approach to address regional challenges. He stated that military confrontation between neighboring countries is unwarranted, especially given their intertwined security issues. In April, Nigeria convened a regional counterterrorism summit in Abuja; however, representatives from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso did not attend. Soon, military delegates from Niger will visit Nigeria to discuss the terms of this new cooperation, with considerable scrutiny on how this partnership might influence the regional security landscape.
The recent security cooperation pact between Nigeria and Niger comes in the context of heightened instability in West Africa due to a series of military coups, notably the one in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. This agreement represents a shift towards collaborative military efforts in a region beset by violent extremism, particularly from groups like Boko Haram and other armed factions. The relationship between Nigeria and Niger had deteriorated significantly following the coup, leading to a sanctions regime imposed by ECOWAS. The pact aims to restore military collaboration, promoting regional security and stability while addressing shared threats.
The signing of the security cooperation pact between Nigeria and Niger is a notable development in West African geopolitics, particularly in the wake of the recent coup in Niger that disrupted regional harmony. Analysts view this agreement as a promising opportunity to strengthen stability, suggesting that, if implemented effectively, it could pave the way for improved relations and cooperation among neighboring countries facing similar security challenges. The anticipated visit of Nigerien military officials to Nigeria signals optimism and a desire to reshape the security landscape in the region, with both nations poised to address common threats collaboratively.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
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