The Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire have strongly refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s junta, accusing them of training Nigerien irredentist groups to destabilize Niger.
In a statement issued on Saturday, General Lassina Doumbia, Côte d’Ivoire’s Chief of Defence Staff, dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking evidence. He emphasized that the Ivorian military remains focused on its core mission of safeguarding national defense and security.
Doumbia reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s dedication to regional cooperation and its commitment to peace and stability across West Africa. He urged Niger’s military authorities to prioritize resolving their internal security issues, which he noted remain unresolved since the junta’s takeover on July 26, 2023.
Addressing the allegations, the statement read, “The Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire… oppose these serious accusations made, without any evidence, by the Head of the junta in Niger. Faithful to their long tradition of cooperation with countries in the sub-region, [they] remain committed to continuing to make their contributions to regional peace and stability.”
General Doumbia further stated that such accusations could sow unnecessary discord in the region, calling on Niger’s authorities to focus on achieving their security objectives.
The remarks follow a video aired on Nigerien state television in which General Tchiani accused Côte d’Ivoire of aiding groups opposed to the junta’s rule. Côte d’Ivoire’s military leaders have called for clarity to dispel doubts about their role in regional stability.
This development underscores ongoing tensions within the West African region as leaders grapple with political instability and security challenges. Côte d’Ivoire has reiterated its readiness to uphold regional peace while maintaining its sovereignty against unsubstantiated claims.
