Benin / Niger: Patrice TALON’s hypocrisy towards the people of Niger, as the French army prepares to attack Niger from the Benin border
Recent revelations suggest that the 66th ECOWAS summit, which extended the withdrawal of Sahelian states from the organization until July 2025, may serve as a legal pretext for France to secure international backing for a military intervention against Niger. Reports indicate potential collusion involving Benin, Nigeria, and other actors in the region.
Patrice Talon’s controversial role
Beninese President Patrice Talon finds himself at the center of accusations of double-dealing. Officially, Talon has taken a conciliatory stance, advocating for peaceful relations between Benin and Niger.
His decision to abstain from attending the ECOWAS summit, sending his foreign minister instead, has been interpreted as a symbolic gesture of neutrality.
However, reports suggest a starkly different narrative behind the scenes. Allegedly, French troops have been allowed to station themselves along Benin’s border with Niger, preparing for what could be an imminent offensive.
Civil society groups in Benin and Niger claim Talon’s actions contradict the will of his people, who overwhelmingly reject any military intervention against Niger.
Some analysts argue that Talon’s motivations may stem from political debts to France and personal animosities toward Niger’s leader, General Abdourahmane Tiani.
France’s alleged strategic preparations
Sources from Lesahelien.com claim that France has already deployed military units along Niger’s borders with Benin and Nigeria.
The operation reportedly includes a joint effort by French forces and soldiers from certain ECOWAS member states.
Key aspects of the alleged plan include:
- Simultaneous border attacks: Coordinated strikes are planned along Niger’s borders to overwhelm its defenses.
- Targeted artillery strikes: French artillery is allegedly positioned to bombard the presidential palace in Niamey directly.
- Strategic infiltration points: Crossing points on the Niger River, particularly from Benin, are said to be prepared for deeper incursions into Nigerien territory.
Financial and tactical maneuvers
Reports allege that significant financial resources have been allocated by France and its allies to secure local collaborators. These efforts supposedly target Nigerien military officers, civilians, and even the families of key figures to weaken internal resistance.
Additionally, a series of clandestine meetings have reportedly taken place:
- A key gathering on December 7, 2024, near Lake Chad involved representatives from two Central African and two West African countries, along with France and an unnamed Nigerien figure.
- Another meeting on December 17, 2024, in Nigeria, is said to have finalized operational details for the attack.
Civil Society and Regional Backlash
Civil society organizations in Benin and Niger are calling for mass mobilizations to denounce the alleged plot. They urge the people of both nations to resist what they describe as a foreign-led scheme to undermine Niger’s sovereignty.
Fayçal BADIE
