The military leaders holding power in Niger have accused Benin of "thinking of aggression" against their country, announcing the cancellation of the military cooperation agreement established between the two countries in 2022.

In a statement broadcast by national television, the military regime ruling in Niamey said it has decided to cancel this agreement signed with Benin on July 11, 2022, after it "repeatedly called for adherence to its obligations," without receiving any response in Cotonou.

The military leaders who came to power through a coup on July 26 also added that Benin "has decided to think of aggression against Niger instead of supporting it. The Republic of Benin has also authorized the deployment of mercenaries and military equipment in light of an aggression against Niger that France wishes to carry out in cooperation with some countries."

For weeks, "ECOWAS" has been threatening military intervention in Niger to restore constitutional order and return Mohamed Bazoum to power, noting that the ousted president is detained and refuses to resign.

The agreement that the military announced its cancellation pertains particularly to the exchange of intelligence between the armies of the two countries and aerial assistance to monitor the movements of jihadists and to conduct joint operations.