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Benin and Niger have expelled each other’s diplomats this week, deepening a diplomatic crisis between the two West African neighbours, diplomatic sources said on Sunday.
Relations between the countries have been tense for nearly two years since the military junta took power in Niamey in July 2023.
Niger’s military rulers have often accused Benin of trying to destabilise the regime. Authorities in Cotonou have denied the claims.
Tensions worsened after a failed coup attempt in Benin in early December. While Benin has not directly blamed Niger, suspicions remain over Niamey’s possible involvement.
A Beninese diplomatic source said Benin recently expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer posted at Niger’s embassy in Cotonou. No reason was given for the action.
In response, Niger declared the first counsellor of Benin’s embassy in Niamey “persona non grata” in a note dated Thursday. The diplomat was given 48 hours to leave the country, with Niger citing a reciprocal move.
Benin’s army foiled the December 7 coup attempt with support from Nigeria and France. On the same day, a wave of fake news supporting the coup plotters spread on social media across the Sahel region.
Niger is allied with Burkina Faso and Mali, both ruled by military juntas. The three countries have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States.
The alliance has moved closer politically to Moscow and promotes an anti-imperialist and pro-sovereignty agenda. Its leaders have criticised coastal West African countries such as Benin and Ivory Coast for maintaining close ties with France, the former colonial power.
