The situation in Benin, which shares a border with Niger, remains peaceful despite the ongoing preparations for a potential military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niger, stated Alexander Chistyakov, the Russian Charge d'Affaires in Benin and Togo, in a conversation with TASS.
"The situation is currently calm, and it hasn't impacted Benin thus far. We're monitoring the situation closely. As of now, there haven't been any significant developments," the diplomat emphasized. He also stated that there is a small number of Russians living in Benin, not exceeding 100 individuals. The diplomat reassured that there are currently no indications prompting their departure from the country.
He clarified that due to Benin's small size, it won't play a central role in the potential military operation if it commences.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, upon his return from a summit in Abuja on August 10, announced that ECOWAS leaders had reached a consensus to initiate a military intervention in Niger as soon as possible. Quoted by AFP, Ouattara revealed that ECOWAS chiefs of staff would convene multiple additional meetings to finalize the operation's details. He underscored that Côte d'Ivoire would contribute a battalion consisting of 850 to 1,100 personnel for the operation, with participation from countries such as Benin, Nigeria, and others.
On the same day, The Associated Press reported that leaders of the military in Niger allegedly informed acting US Deputy First Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland that they had intentions to eliminate the country's deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, should neighboring states undertake a military intervention to reinstate him to power.
In late July, a group of military officers from Niger's presidential guard mutinied and announced the removal of Bazoum from the presidency. The formation of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, headed by Guard Commander
Abdourahamane Tchiani, occurred as a result, with the purpose of governing the nation. Bazoum remains confined to his residence.
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Based on materials from TASS