Benin has formally protested against recent accusations by Niger’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who claimed that the neighboring country was providing support to armed groups operating in Niger. Benin has summoned a Nigerien diplomat to seek clarification on these allegations.
In an interview with Niger state television last Wednesday, Tiani accused Benin of serving as a rear base for armed groups, which he argued was contributing to efforts to destabilize Niger’s security and sovereignty.
In response, Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari sent an official letter of protest to his Nigerien counterpart, condemning what it called baseless accusations. The Beninese foreign ministry also confirmed on social media platform X that the Nigerien charge d’affaires had been called in for a meeting, where the diplomat was asked to explain the remarks made by Tiani.
The diplomatic tension between the two West African nations has been simmering since a military coup ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023. Following the coup, disputes arose, notably concerning the export of Nigerien oil through Benin’s coast and the closure of their shared border. Despite these challenges, both countries have recently shown signs of seeking rapprochement.
The Beninese government emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining peaceful and constructive relations with Niger, stressing the importance of dialogue and cooperation. As part of these efforts, both countries have appointed new ambassadors to each other’s capitals, signaling a potential shift towards improved diplomatic relations.