Following the military coup in Niger on July 26, 2023, international reactions were swift. Key organizations such as ECOWAS and the AU, alongside nations like the USA, France, and Russia, quickly articulated their stances. Within Bénin, President Patrice Talon‘s involvement and the prospect of armed intervention have met with considerable dissent. Western media reports suggested Bénin might commit troops to a potential ECOWAS force against the military junta. Numerous stakeholders, including the Catholic Church and political figures, have openly advocated against a military approach, instead favoring diplomatic solutions to resolve the escalating crisis.

Members of the opposition party « Les Démocrates » have proactively challenged the government regarding the situation, submitting a comprehensive list of 19 urgent questions. Their primary concern revolves around the rationale for Bénin’s military commitment, especially given the historically fraternal ties between Bénin and Niger. They expressed apprehension about adherence to the Beninese constitution, the safety of deployed troops, and the potential for conflict escalation, along with its broader implications for both civilian populations and Bénin itself.

Beyond the military aspect, significant economic and diplomatic anxieties were also highlighted. The closure of borders with Niger could severely impact the Autonomous Port of Cotonou and the overall Beninese economy, which is already feeling the strain of ECOWAS sanctions. Confronted with rising prices for essential goods and adverse effects on economic players, the opposition demands clear governmental responses.

Dialogue is emerging as the preferred solution for numerous regional and international stakeholders. Opposition representatives reminded President Patrice Talon of his previous statements advocating dialogue as an alternative to coups d’état, urging him to initiate an inclusive dialogue within Bénin. The current moment calls for careful consideration, critical inquiry, and, most importantly, the pursuit of peaceful, consensual solutions for the region’s future.

oral inquiry to the government with debate

On July 26, 2023, a military coup d’état occurred in Niger, prematurely ending the constitutional mandate of President Mohamed Bazoum. This incident prompted responses from various states globally and from sub-regional and regional bodies, notably ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN. On Thursday, August 10, 2023, the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member countries convened an extraordinary summit, concluding with decisions including the directive to deploy the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

Consequently, the Beninese government, through its various pronouncements, has indicated its intention to commit Beninese troops to the ECOWAS contingent tasked with confronting the military junta currently in power. Considering this governmental decision to involve Bénin in a conflict against the fraternal and sovereign people of Niger, potentially violating Article 101 of our constitution, and acknowledging that the sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS Heads of State conference during its July 30, 2023, session in Abuja are already severely impacting our nation’s economic, social, and security landscape, the National Assembly, in accordance with Article 108 and its subsections of its internal regulations, requests the government to address the following concerns:

1. What measures has the government implemented to seek parliamentary approval regarding the deployment of Beninese troops in ECOWAS operations in Niger, should the military option be pursued, in adherence to Article 101, paragraph 1, of our constitution, which states: « the declaration of war is authorized by the National Assembly »?
2. Given the prospect of conflict against the sovereign people of Niger, and with several nations like France and the United States having arranged for the evacuation of their citizens from Niger, what provisions has the Beninese government made for its nationals residing there?
3. Considering Bénin and Niger share a fraternal bond, what is the justification for Bénin agreeing to dispatch its troops to engage Niger, especially when other ECOWAS member states, not bordering Niger, decline to participate?
4. What is the projected number of Beninese soldiers and the primary logistical support the government intends to provide to the ECOWAS contingent? What is the estimated cost of Bénin’s potential involvement in this operation, and who will bear these expenses?
5. Should an aggression against the fraternal nation of Niger occur, can our government guarantee that no lives of Nigerien civilians will be affected, nor those of our soldiers?
6. What provisions has the government made for each soldier regarding bonuses, and for each soldier’s family in the event of a Beninese soldier’s death during operations?
7. As Bénin shares a border with Niger, what assurances can the government provide that, in the event of a Nigerien army retaliation, no casualties will be recorded on Beninese territory?
8. Can the government confirm that, should a conflict with Niger arise, potential jihadists will not exploit the situation to infiltrate our country, as observed in Libya?
9. Would it not be more prudent to prioritize political and diplomatic dialogue, mirroring approaches taken in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea?
10. Is it not feasible for Bénin to lead, as it has historically within ECOWAS, in preventing coups d’état by addressing electoral exclusions, the imprisonment, and exile of political opponents?
11. Why does ECOWAS react more swiftly to military coups while seemingly tolerating institutional coups, such as those observed in Côte d’Ivoire in 2020, Guinea in 2021, and Bénin in 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as in other nations?
12. Is the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum’s authority more valuable than the lives of thousands of Nigerien citizens and ECOWAS contingent soldiers who might perish in a conflict?
13. What would be the fate of Niger following such a war?
14. The populations within the ECOWAS region no longer trust our organization, often labeling it a « union of Heads of State ». What steps does Bénin intend to take to restore the reputation of this sub-regional body?
15. Following the extraordinary ECOWAS summit, President Patrice Talon spoke of dialogue as an alternative to coups d’état. When can the inclusive dialogue, so desired by the Beninese opposition, be expected?
16. What are the consequences of closing our borders with Niger on the Autonomous Port of Cotonou?
17. What impacts do the existing ECOWAS sanctions have on the Beninese economy and its citizens?
18. What immediate measures has the government already implemented to counteract the escalating prices of essential commodities?
19. What plans does the Beninese government have for economic stakeholders (such as port operators, transporters, and other business entities) who are already suffering from the repercussions of ECOWAS sanctions?