The Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat following allegations by Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing the country of backing terrorist activities in West Africa.
The move marks a formal protest against the claims, which Benin has described as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement by Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its X on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari confirmed that the Nigerien chargé d’affaires was summoned to provide clarification on the allegations.
“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, as reported by AFP.
The ministry also sent a letter of protest, rejecting the accusations and emphasising Benin’s commitment to peace and collaboration with its neighbors.
The diplomatic tension stems from a Christmas Day address by Tchiani, in which he accused Benin of serving as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilize Niger.
The accusations come amid ongoing regional challenges following the military coup in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Relations between Niger and Benin have been strained in recent years, with disputes over oil exports, border closures, and trade.
Despite these challenges, both countries had recently shown signs of reconciliation, including the appointment of new ambassadors.
Benin’s foreign ministry reiterated its dedication to dialogue and fraternal cooperation, warning that baseless accusations could undermine regional stability.
“Benin remains committed to dialogue and to fraternal collaboration between the two nations”, the ministry stated.
The allegations have also drawn reactions from other implicated countries, including Nigeria, which was accused of hosting a French military base intended to destabilize Niger.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the claim as unfounded, asserting that Nigeria would never allow a foreign military base on its soil.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it is open to dialogue with Niger.
