The Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson of the government, Léandre Wilfried Houngbédji, has responded to the questions raised by the parliamentary opposition regarding Benin’s participation in the military intervention announced by ECOWAS in Niger.
According to the Beninese government spokesperson, “there is no declaration of war” in Niger, but rather a military intervention to restore a president democratically elected by the Nigerien people.
The former journalist explains that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) does not prioritize a military intervention in Niger. He clarifies that it will intervene as a last resort when the junta in power turns a deaf ear.
For the government communication head of President Patrice Talon, it is only when the coup leaders persist in not listening to reason that the subregional body will implement its plan to show the armed men that their place is in the barracks.
On certain aspects of the 19 questions posed by the parliamentary group Les Démocrates, the Secretary-General and government spokesperson refers them to the reading of the Beninese constitution. The former journalist also wants to emphasize that “Benin is not at war with Niger.” This is a way for the government spokesperson to indicate that the financial cost of this intervention will be borne by ECOWAS.
It’s important to note that according to the Beninese constitution, the government will formally present itself to the parliament to address the concerns of the elected representatives of the people.
