The military junta in the Republic of Niger has officially terminated its military agreement with neighboring Benin Republic. This announcement was made via a statement broadcast on national television on September 12, 2023. According to the junta's statement, Benin had granted permission for the deployment of soldiers, mercenaries, and military equipment in the context of a potential intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Consequently, the newly established authorities in Niger have chosen to discontinue the military cooperation agreement with Benin. It's important to note that there has been no response from the Benin military regarding this development at the time of this report.

To provide some context, ECOWAS had issued a threat of possible military action against the junta that had taken control of Niger and suspended its constitution. This military takeover had occurred following the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has since been placed under house arrest. International leaders have consistently called for his release.

ECOWAS had attempted diplomatic solutions to resolve the crisis in Niger and, in the previous month, had authorized the deployment of its standby force to reinstate constitutional order in Niger. However, as of now, there has been no military intervention by the ECOWAS force, and details regarding potential deployments have not been disclosed. Niger confirmed that discussions with the bloc were ongoing.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ECOWAS, has suggested a nine-month transition period back to civilian rule as a possible solution that could satisfy regional powers. In contrast, Niger's junta had previously proposed a three-year timeline for the transition.