Benin Republic protests Niger’s claim of backing terrorists, summons diplomat

Benin Republic on Tuesday summoned a Nigerien diplomat following an allegation by Niger’s junta chief, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that neighbouring countries were backing terrorists in West Africa.

Benin is seeking clarification from the diplomat after Tchiani accused the country of serving as a rear base for terrorists and wanting to destabilise Niger.

An official letter of protest has been sent to the diplomat by Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari.

“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the Beninese foreign ministry said on X.

Ties between the two neighbours had been strained following the military coup that overthrew Niger’s elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

A tug of war then broke out over landlocked Niger’s export of oil via the Beninese coast and disputes over the opening of their shared border, but in recent months signs of a reconciliation have grown.

“Benin remains committed to dialogue and to fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the Beninese foreign ministry said on X.

Each of the West African countries have named a new ambassador in the other.

Nigeria was also named among the countries working to destabilise Niger.

Tchiani, who made the allegation in a Christmas Day broadcast, stated that a military base for France is being set up in Nigeria.

This was immediately dismissed by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who stated that the country will never grant access to a foreign military base on its soil.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it is open to dialogue with Niger.

In a statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said Nigeria opted for dialogue as the foundation for sustainable solutions and will not take any actions that undermine Niger’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, per ECOWAS principles.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in West Africa, noting that Nigeria and Niger, as neighboring countries and brothers, share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties.