Burkina Faso and Niger have openly accused Benin of housing rear bases for militant groups, heightening tensions between the Sahel Alliance countries and their coastal neighbour.
Beninese President Patrice Talon firmly denies these claims, which have been spread by the military leaders of both countries.
"There is obviously nothing like that on Beninese soil," Talon stated in an interview with Jeune Afrique.
He noted that neither Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso nor Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger has given any proof for their accusations.
The rising rift comes as Niger announced its withdrawal from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie on Monday, 17 March.
According to the OIF, Burkina Faso has already taken a "similar step," with Mali likely to follow suit soon.
Cross-Border Militant Attacks Worsen Regional Trust
The north of Benin has suffered growing attacks from insurgent groups crossing over from Burkina Faso and Niger.
In January 2025, the country weathered its deadliest attack since 2021, when 28 Beninese soldiers died in a militant assault near the borders with Niger and Burkina Faso.
The three military-led countries making up the Alliance of Sahel States, or AES, have steadily cut ties with France, their former colonial power. These latest moves line up with broader changes in the region’s alliances amid rising security threats.
Benin’s North Faces Growing Rebel Threat
The security picture in northern Benin worsens notably in Banikoara, a town near Burkina Faso’s border.
A report by the Timbuktu Institute warns of the rise of local help for militant groups, either by will or by force.
"We no longer know who is who in our villages," one witness told researchers.
Young people from Banikoara now supply fuel to armed groups, earning over 50% profit per can.
The report calls for concrete steps to help jobless youth and to build trust between security forces and locals, who now feel caught between backing militants or leaving their homes.
Lack of Cross-Border Security Work Hampers Anti-Militant Fights
President Talon bemoaned the poor links with his northern neighbours and their lack of security teamwork. "Our army faces militant groups that move freely in safe zones left empty by Burkina and Niger's defence forces," he told Jeune Afrique. This lets fighters "gather there and attack in large groups."
Talon shared that his government often reaches out to its neighbours about joint security work that would help all sides, but “we get no answer.”
Some Signs of Eased Tensions with Niger
While anger runs high among AES members, there are hints that Niger-Benin ties might be on the mend.
After Benin named Hugues Agonkan as its Niger ambassador, Niger’s Kadade Chaïbou gave his papers to President Talon on Thursday.
"We're working to rebuild trust between the two countries. Diplomatic links had dried up. It's only now happening again," Chaïbou said in Cotonou after meeting with Talon.
Talon Pledges to Step Down in 2026
In the midst of these cross-border tensions, Talon struck a reassuring tone domestically.
He stressed he will not run for a third term, which the Benin constitution forbids. “I tell you once more: no, I will not be a candidate,” he assured.
Yet some keep their doubts, as Talon once said he would step down after one term but then ran for a second.
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