Benin Republic has formally summoned a diplomat from Niger following allegations by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s junta, accusing Benin of supporting terrorist activities in West Africa.
Describing the claims as unsubstantiated and provocative, Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong protest, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and regional cooperation.
In a statement released Tuesday via its official X account, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari confirmed that Niger’s chargé d’affaires had been called in to address the matter.
“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” read the statement from Benin’s foreign ministry, as reported by AFP.
The ministry further disclosed that a formal letter of protest had been delivered to Niger, categorically rejecting the allegations.
It emphasized Benin’s dedication to fostering peaceful relations with its neighbors.
The diplomatic rift follows Tchiani’s Christmas Day speech, in which he accused Benin of serving as a logistical base for terrorists targeting Niger.
This development comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region since Niger’s military coup in July 2023, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum ousted from power.
Relations between Niger and Benin, already strained by disputes over trade, oil exports, and border closures, had recently shown signs of improvement, including the exchange of new ambassadors.
Despite the accusations, Benin’s foreign ministry urged for continued dialogue, cautioning that such baseless claims could jeopardize regional peace.
“Benin remains committed to dialogue and to fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the ministry reiterated.
The allegations have also drawn responses from Nigeria, which Tchiani accused of hosting a French military base to destabilize Niger.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu dismissed the claim as false, affirming that Nigeria does not and will not permit any foreign military base on its soil.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Niger to resolve ongoing issues.
