In a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Beninese singer Belmonde Z expressed his views on the possibility of Benin sending its military to intervene for the liberation of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger.
According to the Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, what is happening in Niger for the past week is not a coup d’état but a hostage-taking or kidnapping.
“We are not in the context of a coup d’état. We must all agree on that. This is a hostage-taking and a kidnapping. When faced with a hostage-taking, we are not in negotiations or proposals. The main objective is to secure the release of the hostage,” clarified the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Towards a military intervention by Benin in Niger In his interview with RFI on Thursday morning, the minister also commented on the possibility of a military intervention in Niger as announced by ECOWAS. “Could Benin send a contingent of soldiers as part of this intervention?” asked the journalist.
And the minister replied with a clear tone, “Of course, Benin, as a member of ECOWAS, like the other ECOWAS countries, is ready to participate in the resolution of this crisis if we were to reach this solution, which would be regrettable.”
Belmonde Z makes an appeal to Patrice Talon This response has raised concerns among the Beninese people. On social media, comments are pouring in. In response, the Beninese singer Belmonde Z wonders if Benin’s participation in a military intervention in Niger is necessary.
“Family! Does Benin need to participate in a war in Niger please…?? Answer without insults please. Personally, I say No,” he said.
According to him, if the Beninese army were to go to Niger, it would be to protect Niger, Nigeriens, and Nigeriennes. “War has never done anything good. Please, Papa Patrice Talon, I beg you, please do not send your children to wage war on this brotherly country (history will remember)…,” he pleaded.
Belmonde Z invites ECOWAS and UEMOA to carry out this operation without Benin. “Let us not kill each other for the hidden interests of any power… Let us advocate for peace, let us pray for Niger,” he wished.
Note that this decision by Benin is explained by its membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a member country.
