Niger: The authorities maintain the closure of the border with Benin
In the past hours, certain media outlets have been circulating information that falsely suggests a decision by Nigerien authorities to reopen borders with Benin. However, reliable sources confirm the contrary. This is misinformation; the Niger transitional authorities have not made any such decision.
In the aftermath of the partial lifting of sanctions by ECOWAS against Niamey, Benin opted to reopen its borders with Niger.
However, on the Nigerien side, there has been no movement. The new leadership in Niamey is not inclined to resume commercial exchanges with their Beninese counterparts anytime soon. Consequently, the border remains closed on the Nigerien side.
While Nigerien delegations have undertaken exploratory visits to Benin in recent days, during which CNSP envoys hinted at an imminent border reopening, it appears that a decision in this direction has not yet been formalized.
The military junta in power in Niamey has not forgotten how President Patrice Talon unilaterally decided to close the border with Niger.
Moreover, they are displeased with the strict enforcement of the inhumane sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
In addition to these factors, Nigerien businesses have suffered substantial losses. It is due to these setbacks that Niger rejected Benin’s offer to resume imports through the port of Cotonou.
Niger rejected the resumption of cargo imports via the port of Cotonou, as announced earlier by Benin, as reported in late December 2023 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger in a statement.
As a reminder, the severe sanctions imposed on Niamey aimed to exert pressure on the military junta to reinstall Mohamed Bazoumç in power.
However, ECOWAS eventually realized that its method did not work. On the contrary, it succeeded in radicalizing the military who seized power.
Neil Camara
