The leader of Niger’s military junta has claimed that Ukrainian and French forces are occupying northern Benin, escalating rhetoric amid growing tensions in West Africa.
The allegation was made on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Nigerien sources had earlier also claimed that Ukrainian instructors were training Tuareg and jihadist groups in drone-based mining operations in Mauritania and Niger.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations during a briefing on Wednesday, according to RBC-Ukraine.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said the claims “do not correspond to reality” and bear signs of disinformation aimed at discrediting Ukraine and creating a false image of an external threat.
“These comrades in the Republic of Niger are not new to such provocations,” Tykhyi said.
He added that the accusations point to Russia’s growing role in the region, noting that Niger’s junta is “100% dependent on Russia” and suggesting the statements were likely made at Moscow’s initiative rather than independently.
The ministry urged African partners and media outlets to treat unverified information critically, especially when it concerns international security.
“We call on everyone to rely on verified sources and to hear and see this official denial,” Tykhyi said.
Political upheaval and Russian influence in Niger
Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, severed security ties with France and other Western partners, accusing them of interference.
Following the coup, relations between Niger and neighboring Benin deteriorated sharply. Border closures, disputes over regional sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, and disagreements over oil transit routes have fueled tensions between the two countries.
Since taking power, Niger’s military authorities have moved closer to Russia, expelling French troops and seeking security cooperation with Moscow-linked entities. Analysts say the Kremlin has expanded its influence in parts of West Africa amid a waning Western presence.
Ukraine has previously accused Russia of spreading disinformation in Africa to undermine Kyiv’s diplomatic outreach and portray it as a destabilizing force beyond Europe.