By Charity Uwakwe

Benin Republic has convoked a Nigerien diplomat consequent on the accusations by Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger Republic’s military leader, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa.

Speaking in a televised address, Tchiani alleged that Benin serves as a “rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic”.

Benin’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims as baseless and announced the summoning of Niger’s chargé d’affaires in a statement on X.

“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the statement reads.

“Benin remains committed to dialogue and fraternal collaboration between the two nations.”

An official letter has been sent to the diplomat by Olushegun Bakari, Beninese foreign minister.

NIGERIA REJECTS SIMILAR ALLEGATIONS

The development follows a similar response from Nigeria, which has also refuted allegations made by Niger’s junta.

Tchiani accused France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, to destabilise Niger Republic.

He also alleged that France made a “substantial payment” to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.

“They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said.

Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, issued a statement refuting the allegations.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), also described the allegations as unfounded, refuting claims that such a “generous and magnanimous country” as Nigeria would become a state-sponsor of terrorism.