Niger/Burkina Faso: The Burkina Faso-Niger corridor, a lifeline for the people of Niger at a time of socio-economic and political crisis

Nigeriens used to import products through Benin. But following the closure of the borders ordered by ECOWAS, they turned to Burkina Faso. This brother and neighboring country which opposed any sanction from the sub-regional organization, is committed to transporting food to the brother country Niger to support it in this period of crisis. The very last convoy dates from September 11, 2023.

Since then, trucks full of food products have been transported to Niger, despite the terrorist threat, thus relieving the pain of Nigerien sisters and brothers and mitigating the negative impacts of ECOWAS and UEMOA sanctions. To date, we are in the 3rd wave of convoy of 265 trucks of food from Burkina Faso to Niger according to the Nigerien Minister in charge of Trade and Industry, Seydou Asman.

«Everything works for the good of those who love God» is often said. God doing in this process of mutual aid and solidarity between Burkina Faso and Niger, the Nigerien authorities and importers realized that the Burkinabe corridor is less expensive than that of Benin. A revelation from the Ministry of Commerce and according to which, costs which can go up to 1,300,000 in Benin, cost only 83,000 f on the Burkinabe corridor.

This is an advantage both for Nigeriens and for economic operators. These convoys are always escorted or secured by soldiers in order to avoid unpleasant surprises from terrorists and to bring the products safely to their destination. Niger thus benefits from its good relationship with Burkina Faso and Mali, sister countries which have shown their solidarity and humanity from the start of the July 26 coup.

Grace KABA