Benin does not have any military agreements with France that establish a French military base in the country. The Beninese government, through its spokesperson, is unequivocal on this matter.
In response to the coup d’état that occurred on July 26, 2023, in Niger, ECOWAS has mentioned the possibility of military intervention to restore the ousted president. In this context, Benin has recently faced criticism from “pan-Africanists” who accuse the Cotonou regime of hosting military bases rejected by other countries such as Mali or Burkina Faso. Patrice Talon’s country is suspected of being a rear base for French military personnel seeking to destabilize Niger.
When asked about this issue on Radio Cotonou, the Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson for the government, Léandre Wilfried Houngbédji, was unequivocal: “There is no French military base in Benin.”
The Beninese government spokesperson goes on to specify that in Kandi, there are French, American, and Belgian instructors who come to enhance the capabilities of Beninese military personnel. “I am categorical; we have no military cooperation agreement with France that establishes a French military base in Benin,” emphasized the government spokesperson.
