Benin/France: Has the Cotonou regime ceded the north of the country to terrorists for a price? To the point of assassinating patriotic soldiers?  

Reports have surfaced indicating that northern Benin, particularly the border region with Burkina Faso and Niger, may be serving as a rear base for terrorists causing havoc in these countries, both of which have tense relations with France.

According to sources, these criminals are allegedly trained and equipped by French soldiers stationed in two secret military bases established in this area of Benin.

Following accusations from Nigerien authorities, echoed recently by Burkinabe officials, evidence is reportedly beginning to emerge.

Furthermore, there are claims that Beninese soldiers, who find the presence of the French army on their soil inappropriate and openly oppose their activities, are being eliminated.

The silence of the Beninese authorities in the face of these allegations is troubling. Analysts suggest that the regime of President Patrice Talon may benefit from remaining inactive amid the alleged massacres of its own soldiers.

This has led to accusations that Beninese leaders are prioritizing their own interests and those of their foreign allies over the lives of their compatriots, allowing for the destabilization of neighboring countries.

Videos purportedly showing French military aircraft landing in northern Benin, near the Burkina Faso and Niger border, are circulating on social media, lending credence to the accusations made by authorities in the targeted Sahel countries.

Additionally, sources claim that President Talon distrusts his own soldiers to the extent that he surrounds himself exclusively with foreign troops, particularly those from the United States and Rwanda, thus seemingly devaluing the lives of patriotic Beninese military personnel.

These developments raise critical questions about the true nature of the agreements between Benin and France, and the potential implications for regional stability and security in West Africa.

The situation calls for urgent and transparent investigations to clarify the extent of foreign military influence and its impact on the sovereignty and safety of the Beninese people and their neighbors.

Maurice K. ZONGO