Benin has finally responded to the denunciation of the military agreement signed with Niger in the fight against terrorism. By denouncing this agreement, the new Nigerien authorities are taking a break, but Cotonou does not see it that way and does not want to discuss with the junta.
For the spokesperson of the Beninese government, there is no discussion to be had with the junta about the military agreement. In other words, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji disqualifies the coup leaders. He does not recognize any legitimacy that would allow them to discuss this issue. “Our partner is Niger, not the junta. There is nothing to say to them,” he said, according to statements reported by LNT.
This statement by the spokesperson of the executive reaffirms Benin’s position in the Nigerien crisis. The country has condemned the coup and visibly supports the ECOWAS measures to free and reinstall Mohamed Bazoum. “Today, we have no valid interlocutor in Niger other than the democratically elected president (Mohamed Bazoum),” said Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji.
As the Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs had already indicated, Benin is not positioning itself against Niger but is advocating for the return of democracy to Niger. According to the head of Beninese diplomacy, there is no question of endorsing the actions of the coup leaders.
