Beninese opposition challenges government on potential Niger military intervention

Following the military coup that took place in Niger on July 26, 2023, international reactions swiftly emerged. Key organizations such as ECOWAS, the AU, and nations including the USA, France, and Russia promptly declared their positions. In Bénin, the involvement of Beninese President Patrice Talon and discussions surrounding a potential armed intervention have not been universally welcomed. Western media reports suggest Bénin might commit troops alongside ECOWAS to confront the military junta. Numerous stakeholders, notably the Catholic Church and various political figures, have openly stated that a military solution is inappropriate, instead advocating for diplomatic approaches to resolve the crisis.

Elected representatives from the opposition party, « Les Démocrates », have formally questioned the government regarding the situation, submitting a comprehensive list of 19 urgent inquiries. Their primary concern revolves around the justification for Bénin’s military involvement, particularly considering the longstanding fraternal relationship between Bénin and Niger. They express apprehension about adherence to the Beninese constitution, the safety of deployed troops, and importantly, the potential for conflict escalation and its severe ramifications for both civilian populations and Bénin itself.

Beyond military considerations, significant economic and diplomatic concerns have also been raised. The decision to close borders with Niger could have profound consequences for the Autonomous Port of Cotonou and the broader Beninese economy, which is already feeling the strain of ECOWAS sanctions. In light of increasing prices for essential goods and the negative impact on economic actors, the opposition demands concrete answers from the government.

Dialogue is increasingly viewed as a preferred resolution by several regional and international stakeholders. Opposition lawmakers remind President Patrice Talon of his own past statements advocating dialogue as an alternative to coups d’état, urging him to implement such an inclusive dialogue within Bénin. This period calls for careful consideration, critical questioning, and, above all, the pursuit of peaceful and consensual solutions for the region’s future.

parliamentary debate on government’s stance

On July 26, 2023, a military coup in Niger abruptly ended the constitutional mandate of President Mohamed Bazoum. This event triggered widespread reactions from various states globally and from sub-regional and regional organizations, including ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN. On Thursday, August 10, 2023, the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member countries convened an extraordinary summit, concluding with decisions that included ordering the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

Consequently, the Beninese government, through its official statements, has declared its intention to commit Beninese troops to the ECOWAS contingent tasked with confronting the military junta currently in power. Given this governmental decision to involve the Beninese state in a conflict against the fraternal and sovereign people of Niger, which the opposition argues violates Article 101 of our constitution, and acknowledging the severe economic, social, and security repercussions already stemming from sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS Heads of State conference on July 30, 2023, in Abuja, the national representation, under Article 108 and its various paragraphs of the National Assembly’s internal regulations, formally requests the government to address the following concerns:

1. What measures has the government taken to consult parliament regarding the deployment of Beninese troops to the ECOWAS operational theatre in Niger, should the military option be implemented, in accordance with Article 101, paragraph 1, of our constitution, which states: « the declaration of war is authorized by the National Assembly »?
2. In anticipation of this potential conflict against the sovereign people of Niger, several nations, such as France and the United States, have arranged for the evacuation of their citizens from Niger. What provisions has the Beninese government made for its citizens residing in Niger?
3. Considering Bénin and Niger share a fraternal bond, what is the rationale for Bénin agreeing to deploy its forces to attack Niger, while other ECOWAS member states, not bordering Niger, have declined to participate?
4. What is the projected number of Beninese soldiers and the essential logistical support the government intends to provide to the ECOWAS contingent? What is the estimated cost of Bénin’s potential involvement in this operation, and who will bear these expenses?
5. Should an aggression against the sister nation of Niger occur, can our government guarantee that no lives of Nigerien civilians will be lost, nor those of our own soldiers?
6. What provisions has the government made for each soldier in terms of benefits, and for each soldier’s family in the tragic event of a Beninese soldier’s death during operations?
7. As Bénin shares a border with Niger, what assurance can the government provide that, in the event of retaliation by the Nigerien army, there will be no casualties on Beninese territory?
8. Can the government confirm that, in the event of conflict with Niger, potential jihadists will not exploit the situation to infiltrate our country, as observed in Libya?
9. Would it not be more prudent to prioritize political and diplomatic dialogue, as was the approach in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea?
10. Is it not possible for Bénin to lead, as it has in the past within ECOWAS, in preventing coups d’état by actively addressing electoral exclusions, imprisonment, and the forced exile of political opponents?
11. Why is ECOWAS more reactive to military coups but seemingly tolerant of