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Niger’s Military Ruler Accuses Ukraine and France of Occupying Northern Benin
The leader of Niger’s military junta has claimed that Ukrainian and French forces are occupying northern Benin, further escalating tensions in an already volatile West African region. The accusation, made on Tuesday, follows earlier allegations from Nigerien sources that Ukrainian instructors were training Tuareg and jihadist groups to conduct drone-based mining operations in Mauritania and Niger.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected these claims during a briefing on Wednesday. Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi characterized the accusations as deliberate disinformation designed to damage Ukraine’s reputation and fabricate an external threat narrative.
“These allegations do not correspond to reality,” Tykhyi stated. “These comrades in the Republic of Niger are not new to such provocations.”
The Foreign Ministry pointed to Russia’s growing influence in the region, suggesting that Niger’s military government is “100% dependent on Russia” and likely made these statements at Moscow’s direction rather than independently. Ukrainian officials urged African partners and media outlets to approach unverified information with skepticism, particularly when it involves international security matters.
“We call on everyone to rely on verified sources and to hear and see this official denial,” Tykhyi emphasized.
Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tchiani led a coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Following the takeover, the junta severed long-standing security partnerships with France and other Western nations, accusing them of interference in domestic affairs.
The coup triggered a rapid geopolitical shift in the Sahel region, with Russia quickly stepping in to fill the vacuum left by retreating Western influence. Niger joined neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso – also led by military juntas – in forming a regional alliance that has increasingly turned to Moscow for security support.
Relations between Niger and Benin have deteriorated sharply following the coup. Border closures, disputes over regional sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and disagreements over oil transit routes have created significant friction between the neighboring states.
The accusation about Ukrainian forces in Benin represents a dangerous escalation in rhetoric that regional security experts warn could further destabilize the area. The Sahel region already faces multiple crises, including jihadist insurgencies, climate change impacts, and governance challenges.
Russia’s expanding footprint in West Africa comes as France, the traditional security guarantor in francophone Africa, has been forced to withdraw military forces from several countries in recent years. The Kremlin has deployed military advisors, mercenary groups, and launched sophisticated disinformation campaigns to build influence across the continent.
Ukraine has been actively working to maintain diplomatic relationships in Africa since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Kyiv has consistently accused Moscow of spreading false narratives about Ukraine’s activities in Africa to undermine these efforts and portray Ukraine as a destabilizing force beyond Europe.
The latest accusations come amid growing concerns about the internationalization of regional conflicts in West Africa. Security analysts warn that the region is becoming an increasingly contested space for global powers, with Russia seeking to expand its influence while Western nations struggle to maintain relationships with countries where democratic governance has been replaced by military rule.
As tensions continue to rise, international organizations have called for dialogue and restraint to prevent further destabilization in a region already facing severe humanitarian and security challenges.
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9 Comments
I’m curious to learn more about the alleged drone-based mining operations that Niger’s junta is accusing Ukraine of supporting. If true, that would be a concerning development. But given the political dynamics, I’ll reserve judgment until more facts emerge.
Interesting allegations coming from Niger’s military junta. If true, it’s concerning to see Ukraine and France being accused of occupying parts of Benin. However, given the political tensions in the region, I’d want to see more independent verification before drawing any firm conclusions.
The claims of Ukrainian forces training militia groups for mining operations sound quite farfetched. Ukraine has enough on its plate dealing with the war at home. This seems more like political posturing and an attempt to distract from domestic issues in Niger.
This situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in West Africa, with competing foreign interests and local power struggles. Bringing greater stability and security to the region will require nuanced diplomacy and a focus on verifiable facts.
The situation in West Africa remains complex and volatile. These latest accusations underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability from all parties involved. Responsible reporting and diplomacy will be crucial to de-escalating tensions in the region.
Ukraine firmly denying these allegations as disinformation is not surprising. With Russia’s influence growing in West Africa, it’s possible the military junta in Niger is parroting Moscow’s messaging. Separating fact from fiction will require a careful, impartial investigation.
While the specific allegations may be dubious, the broader challenges facing the Sahel region, from extremism to resource conflicts, are very real. I hope this doesn’t distract from the important work needed to address those deeper-seated issues.
While the claims of Ukrainian and French ‘occupation’ in Benin seem dubious, the broader issues of security, natural resource exploitation, and geopolitical rivalries in the Sahel region are very real. Thoughtful, nuanced analysis is required to navigate these challenges.
These types of accusations, even if unsubstantiated, can contribute to further regional tensions. It’s important for all parties to exercise restraint and commit to open, transparent dialogue to de-escalate the situation and find peaceful resolutions.