Niger's junta claims Ukrainian forces in Benin, Kyiv fires back
Photo: Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhii Tykhyi (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The leader of Niger’s military junta, Abdourahamane Tchiani, claimed that northern Benin is allegedly under the control of Ukrainian and French forces. However, this is disinformation aimed at discrediting Ukraine, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi.
The leader of Niger’s military junta claims that Ukrainian mercenaries have allegedly occupied part of the African state of Benin.
It is worth noting that Niger currently has tense relations with Benin.
Tchiani came to power in 2023 and relies on Russian state-linked private military companies.
What Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says
Tykhyi noted that this information is not true.
“Moreover, it bears the hallmarks of disinformation aimed at discrediting Ukraine and creating a fake image of an external threat. In principle, those gentlemen in the Republic of Niger are no strangers to engaging in such provocations,” he said.
At the same time, the spokesperson stressed that these accusations also indicate Russia’s role and increased activity.
“Because we know that this junta depends absolutely 100 percent on Russia, and most likely these statements are not made on their own initiative at all, but at the initiative of the Russian Federation,” Tykhyi explained.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry calls on all colleagues, partners, friends in Africa, and African media to treat unverified information critically, especially when it concerns international security.
“We urge everyone to rely on verified sources and to hear and see this official refutation of these statements,” the spokesperson added.
It should be recalled that in January of last year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French army was leaving African states. This is related to France’s unwillingness to support juntas that came to power with Russia’s backing.
