This decision comes after Benin’s ambassador, Gildas Agonkan, publicly apologized to the Nigerien people during a ceremony.

Benin has reportedly recalled its ambassador to Niger, Gildas Agonkan (pictured), for consultations with Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari. The meeting was expected to take place on February 13, according to local media reports.

Sources indicate that this decision follows recent statements made by the ambassador in Niamey. Speaking at the oath-taking and graduation ceremony for the 7th cohort of the Koubeyni International Institute of Health (IIS) in Gaya, Agonkan expressed regret over the strained relations between Benin and Niger and issued a public apology to the Nigerien people.

"On behalf of all Beninese people and our authorities, I want to ask for forgiveness from the Nigerien people," he said, adding, "We are brothers."

While Beninese authorities have not yet officially confirmed the recall, tensions between Benin and Niger have been high since the military coup in Niger in July 2023. After the junta took power, sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led to the closure of borders between the two West African nations.

In September 2023, Niger also ended its military cooperation agreement with Benin, accusing its neighbor of "considering aggression against Niger instead of offering support."

Both countries continue to face serious security challenges due to terrorist attacks in the Sahel.

According to the International Trade Center (ITC), trade volume between the two nations dropped from $33.12 million in 2022 to $16.16 million in 2023.