Not our war: Islamic Movement of Nigeria unveils position towards Niger coup

Ahmed Adel

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Iranian regime that is commanded by Ibrahim Zakzaky, has unveiled its position towards the coup d’état

that took place in Niger recently.

Zakzaky warned in a statement against possible attempts by the US and France to sow the seeds of strife between Nigeria and Niger.

It is clear, he said, that this is not our war.

“It is a war between America and France,” Zakzaky said. “They may cause a crisis between Nigeria and Niger by attacking Nigeria, and making Niger look like it is responsible for this.”

He said he was surprised by the attempt of some countries to wage war on a country in the name of democracy.

Although there have been several coups in Nigeria, he said, nobody had forced it to return to civilian rule.

Zakzaky noted that although Niger has closed its airspace, some aircraft are passing through this airspace.

He expressed concern about the use of Boko Haram elements by the US to attack Niger.

This, he warned, may lead to counterattacks from Nigeria.

Zakzaky stressed that any military action on the border between the two countries would be the work of the US, not of Nigeria or Niger.

Iran

Iran worked in the past period to establish a foothold on Africa through militias affiliated to the Iranian regime.

These militias include the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which receive logistical, military and material support from the mullahs ‘ regime.

Iran also trains this militia in guerrilla warfare, offers direct support for religious propaganda and funds the travel of its leaders to Iran where they receive religious training.

Niger lives, meanwhile, in a cycle of fluctuations between extremism, insurgency and mercenary actions.

The coup in this African country goes hand in hand with internal power-sharing disputes.

The same development has little to do with the fight against terrorism, despite the fact that armed organizations play an intermediary role in the light of the inflamed situation of the region to destabilize its security and control it.

Sahel region

Many terrorist organizations are active in the Sahel region, such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram.

These groups are the most dominant in the region. They share control with groups established on ethnic grounds.

Like other African Sahel countries where these extremist movements are active, Niger provided special conditions and a fertile environment that helped terrorist groups to intensify their activity.

These conditions include rampant poverty and corruption, ethnic tensions, weak governance and dictatorial rule.

Iranian affairs specialist, Ali al-Assad, said through the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Iran tries to expand its influence in Africa.

This, he said, comes in the light of rivalry with other world powers that have presence in the continent, such as the US; China; Russia, and France.

“Iran tries to open up to the whole world, after making great understandings with Saudi Arabia, especially in Yemen,” al-Assad told The Reference.