Benin, Niger expel diplomats in tit-for-tat move

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In a tit-for-tat move, the Republic of Benin and its counterpart in Niger expelled their diplomats.

The relationship between the two West African countries was claimed to have deteriorated since a military junta took power in Niamey, Niger Republic, in July 2023.

Niger’s military leadership has often accused its pro-Western neighbour of attempting to undermine it, which Cotonou denies.

Relations deteriorated even further following a failed coup attempt in Benin in early December.

Cotonou has not officially blamed Niger, although doubts remain regarding Niamey’s involvement in the failed coup.

Benin recently expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer stationed at the Niger embassy in Cotonou, according to a Beninese diplomatic source, who did not say why.

In return, Niger designated the first counselor of Benin’s embassy in Niamey “persona non grata” on Thursday and gave him 48 hours to leave the country, claiming a reciprocal move.

Benin’s army defeated the December 7 coup attempt with the help of neighbouring Nigeria and France.

Niger is associated with Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which are ruled by juntas. All three states have left ECOWAS to create the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

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