West Africa : Niger says no, its border with Benin remains closed
A visit by three Beninese ministers to Malanville, a northern border town of Benin with Niger, has highlighted a concerning reality : while the Beninese side of the border has recently reopened, the Nigerien side remains closed.
The new authorities in Niamey cite security reasons for this closure. Although the prospect of military intervention has diminished, mistrust lingers, particularly towards France, often suspected of seeking to destabilize the region.
Since the coup d’état, relations between the Beninese and Nigerien governments have become strained. Supporters of the CNSP (National Council for the Salvation of the People) in Niger appear to want to « punish Benin for agreeing to play the ECOWAS game », according to a Sahel expert. They believe that closing the border is detrimental to both Benin and Niger.
Cotonou remains the most accessible port despite this situation. The alternative route through Togo is both costly and complicated in terms of security. According to a source close to the Nigerien government, reaching a consensus with Beninese authorities « for common peace » will be necessary.
Another sticking point, highlighted by economist Ibrahim Adamou Louché, concerns storage fees. Niger will likely have to bear these costs for the numerous containers that could not be transported and have remained stored in Benin since the border closure.
This delicate situation at the Benin-Niger border illustrates the enduring political and security tensions in the region, underscoring the need for strengthened dialogue and cooperation between the two countries to overcome these challenges.
