APA – Cotonou (Benin) The Beninese authorities are reacting to information published on Tuesday in the Radio France Internationale (RFI) press review.
On the evening of Wednesday 27 September 2023, Benin’s government spokesman issued a press release denying reports that Cotonou was preparing to welcome the French soldiers due to leave neighbouring Niger shortly.
In particular, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji formally denies an article that appeared on RFI last Tuesday. According to the French media outlet, “Mourya Niger, a news website has announced that the Beninese government has launched the construction of a military base in northern Benin, not far from the town of Kandi, to accommodate soldiers from the Barkhane operation who are due to leave Niger.” “No French military base is being built in our country, and certainly not in the department of Alibori,” Mr. Houngbedji added.
Also according to RFI’s Africa Press Review, “Mourya Niger” wrote that French and Belgian instructors are helping Benin in the fight against terrorist groups. The Beninese government spokesman confirms that instructors from France, Belgium and the United States have indeed been sent to reinforce the Beninese military. However, Mr. Houngedji added that these missions came to an end six months ago. According to Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, the instructors in question have already left.
Following the 26 July coup d’Etat against Mohamed Bazoum, the new Nigerien authorities requested that the French forces welcomed into the country following their departure from Mali leave Nigerien territory. Initially hostile to Niamey’s wishes, Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday 24 September in an interview with TF1 and France 2 that the French troops would leave Niger by the end of the year.
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