Niger: General Tiani Warns of French Military Presence in Benin

Niger’s head of state and leader of the CNSP, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has raised concerns over the reported presence of French troops in neighbouring Benin. Speaking at a rally in Gaya, Tiani claimed that French forces expelled from Niger have since been redeployed across the border.

The French soldiers driven out of Niger are now in Benin, he said, adding that the recent docking of the French helicopter carrier Tonnerre at the port of Cotonou was not an innocent move.

Tiani’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Niamey and Cotonou. The borders between the two countries remain closed, and neither the Beninese government nor French authorities have issued an official response to the allegations.

READ MORE: Turkey Announces First Overseas Gold Production Project in Niger

About The Author

West Africa Weekly

author

See author's posts