Benin : What would be the purpose of lifting import suspensions to Niger if the borders are not open ?
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the Director-General of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou made the decision to reopen the port for imports to Niger. « Considering the substantial improvement in the operational conditions for handling goods at the port of Cotonou, especially the reduction in the congestion rate, the suspension of imports destined for Niger at the port of Cotonou is lifted », said Bart Jozef Van Eenoo, the head of the Cotonou port.
On October 25, 2023, the Beninese authorities decided to halt imports of goods destined for Niger. They cited operational reasons and congestion, as the goods were stuck at the port, making it impossible to transport them to their destinations in Niger. Today, Beninese authorities speak of a change in the situation in Niger at the ECOWAS level, which has officially recognized the coup since the 64th summit and is establishing a commission to engage in discussions with the Nigerien authorities.
From every point of view, this decision is at the limit senseless and does not bring much if the borders are not opened. First, the goods accumulating at the port of Cotonou have not yet reached their destination, i.e., Niger, and because in the meantime, the port had a congestion problem and now a solution has been found, the accumulation of Nigerien goods can resume !
At some point, we need to stop taking people for fools. What economic operator will still transit their goods through the port of Cotonou if the borders are not open ? And no date is given for it ?
If the Beninese authorities feel penalized by the sanctions applied under the pressure of ECOWAS, it is time to say it clearly to ECOWAS, that: « Benin couldn’t take it anymore, so it opens its borders. At the risk of being asphyxiated, Benin is no longer part of your schemes ». Then, public opinion can make its assessment.
