Terrorism: Tiani makes explosive claims about recent attacks in Benin

Tiani argued that the terrorist attacks that have shaken Benin since the start of the year are directly linked to Cotonou’s strategic choices. The leader of the Nigerien junta claimed that his government had warned Benin about the risks of hosting what he called “destabilizing troops” — a reference to the French military presence in the region.

“But the Beninese authorities thought they were outsmarting us,” he said. “They welcomed these destabilizing forces — which they denied when we raised the issue.”

He added, “When Macron spoke about it, we heard nothing from Benin, nor from Nigeria or Ivory Coast. But when I raised the alarm on February 25, everyone got outraged because it was an African speaking an inconvenient truth. Instead of seeking the truth, they tried to silence it.”

Despite French President Emmanuel Macron’s own confirmation of a military presence, Tiani criticized Benin for continuing to deny it while simultaneously deepening cooperation with those forces. “It’s a sovereign decision — fair enough. But every action has consequences,” he warned.

According to Tiani, Benin had signed a non-aggression pact with the French forces, which expired on December 31, 2024. “And right after, on January 8, 2025, the attacks resumed,” he said, citing a deadly assault at the “triple point” border area that claimed the lives of several Beninese soldiers.

He claimed that subsequent attacks allowed terrorist elements to seize significant military equipment. “Gear equivalent to what a 400-man battalion would use was found at a base held by just 50 soldiers,” he stated, suggesting a suspicious level of logistical preparedness.