Benin and Niger have exchanged diplomatic expulsions this week, underscoring two years of strained relations between the West African neighbours, diplomatic sources said on Sunday. Ties between the two countries have remained tense since Niger’s military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Niamey has accused Benin of attempting to destabilise the country, a claim Cotonou has repeatedly denied.
In recent days, Benin expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer posted to the Nigerien embassy in Cotonou, according to a Beninese diplomatic source, which did not provide further details. In response, Niger issued a note on Thursday declaring the first counsellor at Benin’s embassy in Niamey persona non grata and ordering him to leave within 48 hours, citing reciprocity.
Niger is aligned with Burkina Faso and Mali, both also under transitional military rule. The three countries have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), promoting a pro-sovereignty stance and criticising West African coastal states, including Benin, for maintaining close ties with former colonial power France.