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.
According to The PUNCH, the move marks a formal protest against the claims, which Benin has described as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued 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 neighbours.
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 destabilise Niger.
The accusations come amid ongoing regional challenges following the military coup in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
