Benin’s Talon poised to restore ties with Niger after diplomatic showdown

Patrice Talon, Benin’s President, told Thursday December 21 lawmakers, his keenness to thaw ties with neighboring Niger where he condemned the military coup that removed West-backed leader Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

Talon was among hardliners in the regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), that wielded military intervention to restore Bazoum, removed by a junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.

ECOWAS’s though position did not scare the junta still in power and which now enjoys international recognition including the UN. Talon, in an address to lawmakers Thursday, said that “there is a time to condemn, to demand, and also a time to take stock and to take note” of what has happened.

He also argued that Tiani-led power in Niger is responsible for providing assurance to the regional organization and the international community for a power transition.

The ECOWAS early this month called on Tiani to propose a short transition period. It also appointed Talon and leaders of Togo and Sierra Leone to mediate between the grouping and Niamey.