Niger: Benin announces support measures for Niger importers

Benin’s port authorities have undertaken significant steps to rekindle trade relations with Niger, hoping for a positive resurgence in exchanges. This initiative follows the restrictive measures imposed by ECOWAS on Niger after the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Following the partial reopening of land borders with Niger after the lifting of some sanctions by ECOWAS, Benin announces supportive measures for economic operators in the hope of restoring fruitful commercial relations.

In a circular note made public on March 6, 2024, the Director-General of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou outlines new measures aimed at facilitating the removal of goods destined for Niger that were previously blocked at the port.

These measures, already in effect, have contributed to a significant reduction in the number of containers stranded at the Port of Cotonou bound for Niger, decreasing from 20,000 in October 2023 to approximately 2,400 currently.

It is noteworthy that with the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions against Niamey, Benin’s customs services are now available for the declaration of goods destined for Niger.

Despite months of strict border closure and adherence to sanctions against Niamey following the CNSP coup against Bazoum’s regime, President Patrice Talon has taken a more conciliatory stance, acknowledging that ECOWAS may have been too severe on the country.

This shift is reflected in the suspension of some measures, including the reopening of the port of Cotonou to Nigerien economic operators and the border with Niger.

However, the AES country  maintains its position by keeping its borders closed to its Beninese neighbor.

Fayçal BADIE