Niger/Benin: Benin-Niger diplomatic crisis, who benefits?
The rift between the Republic of Niger and the sister Republic of Benin continues to widen. This diplomatic crisis is marked by disagreements and mutual accusations, particularly between the authorities of the two brotherly and neighboring countries. The latest statements from these authorities were again filled with responses and mutual accusations.
Who benefits from this tension that has lasted for months between the two African countries, historical partners? It is important to remember that this crisis arose following the decision of ECOWAS to disrupt the lives of Nigeriens through a military aggression aimed, according to reports, at restoring constitutional order after the coup d’état of July 26, 2023.
This decision was strongly supported by the Beninese authorities. It should also be noted that the Beninese leaders, in application of ECOWAS sanctions, had closed their borders and port to Niger, a landlocked country expected to have unhindered access to the sea for transiting its products.
After the lifting of sanctions by ECOWAS, faced with the unwavering determination of the Nigeriens, the Nigerien authorities deemed it necessary to keep the border with Benin closed for security reasons, claiming that there are French military bases on Beninese soil training rebels against Niger.
This accusation has further strained the relations between the two countries. Since the beginning of the socio-political crisis in Niger, it should be noted that France has not been lenient with the Nigeriens. On the contrary, it has been the one, in the shadows, fueling the fire against the Nigeriens, as its interests have been at stake since the events of July 26, 2023.
France’s departure from Niger was another major blow, and it is important to recall the discovery of French military arsenal in Niger and also consider all the inappropriate remarks made by French authorities and diplomats against Niger. This colonial power has always used the method of division to assert its supremacy, and that has not changed.
Should Africans allow foreigners to continue dividing them for their own interests? Africans have always been used against their own brothers, undermining the values that underpin African societies, thus leaving the door wide open for imperialists.
It is time to come to our senses and to reestablish solid and sincere relations among Africans, in order to collectively tackle common challenges and enable the African continent, particularly the countries in the West African zone, to rise up and finally break free from the yoke of imperialism and neocolonialism.
