Niger-Benin Diplomatic Crisis: Cotonou Closes Its Embassy
Niger-Benin Diplomatic Crisis: Cotonou Closes Its Embassy
The Beninese embassy in Niamey announced it would suspend operations starting Monday, citing “circumstances beyond its control.”
The diplomatic mission made the announcement after the chargé d’affaires, Seidou Imourana, was declared persona non grata by Niamey, which ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours.
The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the “principle of reciprocity” but did not specify the reasons for the expulsion.
The move follows Cotonou’s earlier expulsion of two Nigerien diplomats, an intelligence agent, and a police commissioner, who were accused of “subversive activities,” according to multiple media reports.
The crisis comes in the aftermath of the attempted coup in December 2025, attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, which reignited regional suspicions and tensions.
Relations between Niamey and Cotonou have been strained since the July 26, 2023 coup attempt in Niger. Niamey accuses Benin of supporting hostile activities linked to France, while Cotonou firmly denies these allegations.
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