News (Porto-Novo) – Beninese President Patrice Talon said that African countries resorting to the services of the Russian Wagner Group “is not reprehensible in principle” as long as the goal is “purely security”.
“The idea of hiring a private military service provider is not new,” Talon added, in an interview with the French “LCI” channel, adding, “We have seen it in Afghanistan with the Americans.”
Talon explained, “If Wagner intervened and did not provide a purely security service, and committed violations in favor of the regime, then this is reprehensible and must be condemned.”
On the other hand, Patrice Talon explained that “Russia has been a friend of Benin for a long time, but our friendship should not prevent us from condemning what it is doing in Ukraine,” considering that “this war is unfortunate.”
The Beninese president indicated that downplaying the importance of what is happening is “a means of promoting the use of force in resolving international disputes.”
Regarding French policy in Africa, the Benin president said, “France needs to show more of its sense of equality with African countries.”
On China-Africa relations, Talon said, “China inspires many, especially in terms of its self-reliance and good governance.”
