Niger’s junta accuses Ukraine of “occupying” Benin

The leader of Niger’s military junta, Abdurahman Chiani, has said that northern Benin is allegedly controlled by Ukrainian and French troops. He also claims that “Ukrainian mercenaries” have occupied part of the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgy Tykhyi emphasized during a briefing that this information is not true.

“Moreover, it has signs of disinformation aimed at discrediting Ukraine, creating some kind of fake image of an external threat. In principle, well, these comrades in the Republic of Niger are not used to doing this, such provocations,” he said.

Tykhy also drew attention to Russia’s influence on the government of Niger.

“Because we know that this junta is absolutely 100 percent dependent on Russia, and these statements are likely being made not on their own initiative at all, in principle, but on the initiative of the Russian Federation,” the spokesman explained.

The Foreign Ministry called on partners and media in Africa to be critical of unverified information, especially when it comes to security issues.

“We urge you to rely on verified sources and hear and see this official refutation of these statements,” Tykhy added.

Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , X , Telegram , and Instagram.