The leader of Niger’s military junta claimed northern Benin is occupied by Ukrainian and French forces.

The leader of Niger’s military junta claimed northern Benin is occupied by Ukrainian and French forces. Earlier Nigerien sources alleged Ukrainian instructors were training Tuareg and jihadist groups in drone based mining operations in Mauritania and Niger. Relations between Niger and Benin have been tense since the July 2023 coup, with border closures and disputes over sanctions and oil transit.