Niger's Junta Accuses Ukraine of Controlling Benin; Kyiv Issues Rebuttal.

Rising Tensions in Benin and Niger

According to TSN.ua: Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger's military junta who seized power in 2023, has alleged that Ukrainian and French military forces control northern Benin. He claims there are no Beninese soldiers in the area, which he says is under the control of terrorists and 'mercenaries' from France and Ukraine. This accusation comes as Niger's foreign policy has increasingly aligned with Russia following the coup. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied these claims.

Ukraine's Official Response

In a direct rebuttal, Georgii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, categorically rejected the assertion of any Ukrainian military presence in Benin. He stated:

'Our Armed Forces have not been deployed to Benin and are not conducting any operations on its territory.' Georgii Tykhyi, Spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry

Tykhyi further emphasized that 'this junta is absolutely 100 percent dependent on Russia.'

These developments highlight the growing strain in relations between Niger and Ukraine, underscoring Russia's influential role in Niger's foreign policy. Analysts suggest Tchiani's statements may be part of a disinformation campaign aimed at bolstering domestic support and diverting attention from internal challenges. Within the context of shifting global alliances, the situation in Niger has significant implications for regional stability in West Africa, particularly concerning the fight against terrorism and the influence of external powers.