The military-led government in Niger said on Tuesday night that it has rejected a military cooperation pact signed with neighbouring Benin in 2022, accusing that nation of “thinking violence” against Niger.
The military government in Niamey stated in a news statement broadcast on national television that they had “called on multiple times for compliance with the requirements” of this deal struck with Benin on July 11, 2022, which they had chosen to “denounce.”
Benin “decided to consider violence against Niger instead of supporting it,” according to the military that took control of Niger in a coup on July 26.
“The Republic of Benin has authorized the stationing of mercenary soldiers and war materials in view of an aggression desired by France in collaboration with certain countries” of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) against Niger, they assured Tuesday while reiterating their “desire to avoid escalation”.
Military intervention
For several weeks, ECOWAS has been threatening military intervention in Niger to restore constitutional order and reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, held prisoner and refusing to resign.
This agreement with Benin concerned in particular the exchange of intelligence, air assistance to monitor the movements of jihadists, and joint operations between the two Beninese and Nigerien armies.
Northern Benin, bordering Niger and Burkina Faso, two countries undermined by recurring jihadist violence, has been the scene of attacks and incursions by these groups in recent months.
“Assault”
This weekend, the new authorities in Niamey also accused France of preparing “aggression” by deploying “forces” in several West African countries. Accusations denied by Paris which does not recognize the military regime.
Several military agreements with France were also denounced by the generals in power on August 3 who claim that the presence of 1,500 French soldiers on their territory is now illegal.
