Nigeria and Niger, two nations intertwined by shared borders and a long history of regional cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), have long been bastions of peace and economic integration in West Africa.
Cultural, religious, and linguistic ties between ordinary citizens have flourished for generations, particularly in border towns like Jibia and Daura in Nigeria, and Maradi and Tawa in Niger Republic, where intermarriages and daily commerce have blurred national boundaries.
However, recent political turbulence following a military coup in Niger in July 2023, has strained this foundation of trust. Border closures, initiated as tensions rose between ECOWAS and Niger’s military leadership, cast a shadow over decades of peaceful coexistence.
Yet amidst diplomatic tensions, hope endures among ordinary citizens who refuse to let governmental disputes mar their personal relationships. Religious and traditional leaders from both nations have played pivotal roles in mediation efforts. Nigerian Islamic scholars like the Emir of Kano are actively engaging Niger’s military leadership for reconciliation. These efforts have contributed to ECOWAS lifting sanctions on Niger, offering a glimmer of hope for bilateral reconciliation.
Remarkably, despite political discord, Nigerien citizens residing in Nigeria and those residing in Niger Republic continue to peacefully coexist, demonstrating resilience in maintaining their shared cultural heritage. Adamu Hassan , a Nigerian guard in Kaduna, shares a deep bond with his Nigerien friend, Tanja, a local tea seller. Despite border closures and the diplomatic tension, Adamu values their friendship above political differences, illustrating the resilience of cross-border relationships.
“I have never been to Niger, but I hope to visit the country someday due to my friendship with Tanja. I see him as a blood brother rather than a foreigner. That’s why I was disturbed when our two nations had a misunderstanding, and Tanja was stranded in Nigeria for three months due to the border closure,” he told Peace News Network.
Adamu further explained that he is happy to see the reconciliation process between the two nations improving.
In a similar spirit, Tanja emphasizes their enduring friendship, untouched by political turmoil, highlighting the insignificance of governmental disputes in personal relationships.
“We have been living peacefully even when our governments were having diplomatic misunderstandings but we didn’t allow it to bother us,'” he said
Similarly, Malam Hamza, a Nigerien caps washer, dismisses attempts to sow discord between Niger and Nigeria, emphasizing the strong historical and cultural ties that bind Northerners in both countries.
“Those who think they can divide us as a people are mistaken because most of the traditional rulers in the north, especially in Katsina state and Maradi in Niger have historical links with each other ,” he said smiling.
He added that some politicians from both countries tried to escalate the situation in the media, without considering the historical connection and the level of peaceful coexistence that exists between the ordinary citizens of the two countries.
Nuhu, a Nigerian artist in Niamey, returned home amid political uncertainty but acknowledges continued understanding between citizens despite governmental changes.
He added that Islamic leaders and traditional leaders from northern Nigeria also played a greater role in diffusing tension and promoting peace between the two countries.
“The intervention of religious scholars greatly helped to alleviate tension between the Nigerian Government and the Nigerian military government, which also helped ordinary citizens of both countries who refused to allow the diplomatic row to divide them,” he said.
Sidil Ghabit Ahmat Sidi, Secretary General of Nigerien Residents in Nigeria, who lived in Nigeria for 33 years, stresses that grassroots interactions between citizens of both nations remain unaffected by political rhetoric, emphasizing their shared heritage and peaceful coexistence. He commends Nigerians for advocating against sanctions, affirming the deep-rooted connection between citizens of both countries.
“In fact, Nigeriens are peace-loving people wherever we reside,” Alghabi asserted, noting Nigerians’ vocal opposition to ECOWAS sanctions against Niger, which strengthened bilateral bonds despite diplomatic challenges.
Sidi further explained that their newly commissioned Secretariat in Kaduna will be used to sensitize their citizens on the need for peaceful coexistence with their host communities, to further strengthen the peaceful relationship between the people of the two countries.
This means that the relationship between Niger and Nigeria, rooted in centuries-old ties, remains steadfast. As citizens continue to foster peace through mutual understanding and shared values, their stories illuminate a path towards lasting reconciliation and unity. Despite diplomatic disputes and political uncertainty, the citizens of Nigeria and Niger continue to serve as an example of peaceful coexistence across borders.
Mohammed Ibrahim
Mohammed is a multimedia freelance journalist in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He graduated from the International Institute of Journalism Abuja. In 2016 Mohammed received the Courage in Journalism Award for his investigative reporting, from the Africa Media Development Foundation.
