Benin is accused of breaking an agreement by enabling France to station troops there in preparation for a possible attack, according to the coup leaders.
A military cooperation pact between Niger and Benin has been terminated, according to the military government of Niger, which has accused its neighbour to the west of backing an impending invasion.
The new leaders of Niamey claimed in a statement on Tuesday that the Beninese government had authorised the sending of troops, “mercenaries, and war materials in the perspective of an aggression desired by France” and “certain” ECOWAS nations against Niger.
With France’s support, ECOWAS has vowed to launch a military operation against Niger in retaliation for the July 26 coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
The leader of the coup, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has rejected the regional authority’s call for the reinstatement of Bazoum and instead announced a three-year transition period.
The French government claims that the expelled president is the only “legitimate” ruler of the African nation, and the military administration has frequently accused France of preparing an armed attack in Niger to bring him back.
In a statement on Saturday, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the government’s spokesman in Niamey, warned that Paris was continuing to send troops to numerous ECOWAS nations in preparation for an intervention in Niger.
The leaders of the revolution alleged that France had sent 40 armoured vehicles and two military helicopters to Benin.
Algeria denies France’s request to use its airspace for an operation over Niger
The Beninese government’s decision to support “aggression” against Niger while it faces with a challenging “security, political, and economic situation,” as opposed to opposing an intervention, the military authorities claimed on Tuesday, violates the military pact that was struck in July of last year.
The coup leaders claimed that as a result, Niamey has opted to cancel the accord after repeatedly stating its intention to prevent an escalation and demanding adherence to its terms.
The statement also stated that “diplomatic correspondence will be sent to the Beninese authorities, in accordance with the applicable procedure.”
