Africa-Press. In the midst of ongoing accusations regarding external support for the attempts to destabilize the situation during the events in Niamey on August 28 and 29, Benin has asserted that it harbors no hostile intentions towards its neighbor Niger and calls for normalization of relations between the two countries.
The Beninese government firmly rejected the allegations suggesting Cotonou’s involvement in the events in Niamey, reiterating its desire for relations between the two nations to return to normal.
The state minister and spokesperson for the Beninese government, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, stated before reporters on Friday: “The government’s conviction is that at some point, our brothers in Niger will understand that Benin is not their enemy, and that relations will return to normal.”
This response came after the testimony of Captain Roger Gabriel, which was broadcast on Tuesday by Niger Radio and Television, where the officer spoke about alleged plans for external intervention to support the elements involved in the clashes that occurred in Niamey.
Benin was mentioned in one of the scenarios he referred to, with support that was supposed to involve Ivory Coast and French special forces.
These allegations have not yet been supported by evidence that allows for independent verification, and the Beninese government categorically rejects them.
Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji stated: “For the same reasons that made us oppose the destabilization of Niger yesterday, we are today against the destabilization of Niger, and we will remain so tomorrow.”
The spokesperson emphasized the historical and humanitarian ties between the two countries, considering that the people of Benin and Niger are supposed to live peacefully on either side of the border.
He said: “They are our brothers, they are our family, and the populations are the same on both sides of the border, and we are called to peaceful coexistence for the benefit of our countries and for the benefit of our peoples.”
The Beninese minister also urged the authorities and citizens to focus on development issues rather than accusations related to destabilization.
He said, “I would kindly ask you to dedicate this time to more beneficial matters,” reiterating that his country is in no way connected to the alleged objectives attributed to it.
This clarification comes amid heightened tensions between Cotonou and Niamey, following the deterioration of relations since the change in power that occurred in Niger in July 2023.
Captain Roger Gabriel’s statements came at a time when Nigerien authorities confirmed that they had seized a large military arsenal following the clashes that took place on August 28 and 29 in Niamey.
According to Nigerien authorities, 34 small trucks equipped with mounted weapons, two light armored vehicles, and several dozen motorcycles, along with a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition, were recovered after the battles.
Niamey attributes this equipment to elements of the special reconnaissance battalion under the special operations command, known as BSR-COS, which participated in the attacks on Air Base 101 and several strategic sites in the capital.
Captain Gabriel’s testimony added a regional dimension to the issue, mentioning, alongside Benin, Chad, Ivory Coast, and France. However, these allegations have not yet received independent confirmation.
