The Republic of Benin has summoned Niger republic diplomat over terrorism allegations. Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, had earlier accused Benin of supporting terrorist activities in West Africa.
This development serves as a formal protest against the claims, which Benin has firmly denounced as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued by Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its official X account, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari confirmed that the Nigerien chargé d’affaires had been summoned to clarify the allegations.
The ministry stated that due to the unfounded accusations made against their country, the Nigerien chargé d’affaires has been summoned.” The statement, as reported by AFP, was accompanied by a letter of protest that firmly rejected the allegations and reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to peace and regional cooperation.
The diplomatic tension arises from a statement made by Tchiani during a Christmas Day address, in which he accused Benin of acting as a rear base for terrorists aiming to destabilise Niger. These accusations come amidst ongoing regional challenges following the military coup in Niger that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Relations between Niger and Benin have faced difficulties in recent years due to disputes over oil exports, border closures, and trade.
However, both nations had recently shown signs of mending ties, including the exchange of new ambassadors. Benin’s foreign ministry reiterated its dedication to dialogue and cooperative relations, cautioning that baseless claims could jeopardise regional stability.
Benin remains committed to dialogue and fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the ministry emphasised.
The allegations have also elicited responses from other countries, including Nigeria, which was accused of hosting a French military base intended to destabilise Niger.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating that Nigeria would never permit a foreign military base on its soil. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue with Niger.
