Benin Republic summons Nigerien Diplomat over terrorism allegations by Junta leader

The Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat following allegations made by Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger Republic’s military leader, claiming that Benin is a “rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilize Niger.”

In a televised address, Tchiani accused neighboring countries, including Benin, of supporting terrorism in West Africa. Benin’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations as baseless, issuing a statement on X (formerly Twitter) and summoning Niger’s chargé d’affaires.

“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargé d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the statement read. Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Bakari, also sent an official letter to the diplomat, emphasizing Benin’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration.

Nigeria Rejects Similar Allegations

In the same address, Tchiani accused France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria, such as Boko Haram, to destabilize Niger and claimed France had made payments to President Bola Tinubu for establishing a military base in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, strongly refuted these allegations, calling them baseless and unfounded. Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the claims, highlighting Nigeria’s reputation as a “generous and magnanimous country” dedicated to regional stability.