The Beninese government has firmly rejected fresh allegations from Niger’s military leader General Abdourahmane Tiani, who accused President Patrice Talon of sponsoring mercenaries behind attacks on Niamey International Airport and the capital’s air base. The accusations also implicated Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara and France’s Emmanuel Macron in the alleged plot.
Cotonou authorities swiftly labeled the claims “baseless,” noting they lack credibility even among many Nigerien citizens. Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji delivered the rebuttal one day after General Tiani’s public statements, underscoring Benin’s refusal to engage with unsubstantiated allegations.
Despite dismissing the accusations as unfounded, Houngbédji emphasized that Benin maintains vigilance regarding all security threats. The measured response reflects the government’s dual approach: rejecting inflammatory rhetoric while affirming its commitment to national security protocols.
The diplomatic exchange highlights rising tensions between the two West African neighbors following Niger’s 2023 military takeover. Benin’s firm rebuttal seeks to preserve its regional standing while avoiding escalation in an increasingly fragile Sahel security landscape.
