Benin requests the removal of barriers set up by the new Nigerien authorities at the Gaya border. Minister Segun Bakari made this request in response to a letter from the President of the ECOWAS Commission asking Benin to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Nigerien people.
As part of the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Nigeriens, Benin states that it has played its part by creating a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the deployment of aid to Niger. However, Segun Bakari observes that on the other side, Niger has maintained the blockade at its border.
According to the Beninese foreign minister, “checkpoints set up at the entrance to Niger by the country’s defense and security forces continue to impede the delivery of this aid.” The Beninese minister has clearly informed the President of the ECOWAS Commission that the success of the operation requires the “lifting of all blockades.”
It should be noted that tension is very high between Benin and Niger at the moment. The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Nation (CNSP) disagrees with Benin’s position in the crisis that has shaken the country since July 26. The military has accused Benin of being complicit with France in preparing an “aggression” against their country. In response to Benin’s position, the coup leaders have denounced the military cooperation agreement signed between the two countries.
