(MENAFN) Benin has strongly denied accusations that it is collaborating with Western countrires to support terrorist activities aimed at undermining the stability of Niger and the broader Sahel region. This area has been contending with extremist violence and insurgencies for over ten years.

According to reports, Benin’s Foreign Minister has rejected the claims, originally made by Niger’s interim leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, labeling them as “unfounded.”

“Benin is fighting terrorism on its soil and from neighboring countries, with determination and at the cost of heavy sacrifices. Attempting to associate our country with such practices is not only unacceptable, but also profoundly unfair to our defense and security forces and our entire people,” he stated.

Tchiani had earlier accused both Benin and Nigeria of acting as key logistical routes for alleged French-supported agents tasked with sowing chaos in Niger. According to his statements, gatherings involving Western nations and certain African allies had taken place in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, during which arms were reportedly being transferred to extremist groups operating across the Sahel.

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