Tensions between Benin and Niger: toumba demands guarantees from wadagni

In a lengthy interview broadcast on Niger’s national television on April 21, General Mohamed Toumba, Interior Minister and state-level official, addressed a range of pressing security issues facing the country. With jihadist attacks escalating—particularly in the Tillabéry region—he also highlighted the strained relations between Niamey and Cotonou, especially as Patrice Talon prepares to hand over power to Romuald Wadagni, his successor, on May 24.

Toumba did not mince his words when discussing the changing dynamics in regional politics. « Patrice Talon is gone, but Talon was never the real issue. The real issue is Macron, » he stated. « We believe Talon was manipulated by France. (…) He allowed the French to establish themselves on his territory and use it as a base to attack us. That is the core of the problem, » he explained.

what the nigerien government expects from Benin’s new leadership

When asked about his expectations for Wadagni’s presidency, Toumba called for « tangible signs of goodwill, » insisting that the Bénin must publicly declare its independence from French interests. He urged Cotonou to stop facilitating French military presence on its soil, which he claims is used to target neighboring countries like Niger.

Toumba’s remarks are not isolated. Tensions between Bénin and Niger have been mounting since General Abdourahamane Tiani’s coup on July 26, 2023. In late January, following the attack on Niamey’s international airport and the nearby Base 101—where Russian Africa Corps troops are stationed—Tiani issued a stark warning. « We remind the sponsors of these mercenaries—particularly Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon, and Alassane Ouattara—that we have listened to their barking long enough. Now it’s time for them to listen to our roaring, » he declared, accusing France, Côte d’Ivoire, and Bénin of involvement in the assault, which was claimed by the Islamic State.

why this matters ahead of wadagni’s presidency

While Toumba’s warning is not unprecedented, it carries added significance as Wadagni’s inauguration approaches. Elected with 94% of the vote in the April 12 presidential election, Wadagni has signaled a desire to ease tensions with Niamey. « I am convinced we can sit down and discuss. We have no other choice! » he stated in a March 23 interview with Jeune Afrique. « The countries in the region face the same challenges: security, poverty, and youth unemployment. Our shared goal is prosperity. The only way to achieve it is through collaboration, » he added.

Wadagni also acknowledged that while « security cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso is not yet at the desired level, » the three countries’ chiefs of staff « communicate regularly, and things will improve. » However, Niamey appears less optimistic about this prospect.