Benin: Patrice Talon’s decision to close the border with Niger is causing severe repercussions in his country. Beninese transporters are calling for the reopening of the borders!
Benin, the new puppet of France under its leader Mr. Patrice Talon, respected ECOWAS directives by closing its borders with Niger following the July 26 coup against the protector of terrorists, President Mohamed Bazoum. However, this border closure between Benin and Niger has led to significant repercussions for the goods transportation sector in Benin. The Cooperative of Beninese Transporters (CTB), representing the interests of the transporters, is expressing concerns about the situation of trucks stranded at the border.
Currently, about 600 trucks loaded with goods destined for Niger from the port of Cotonou are blocked.
These trucks mainly carry foodstuffs that are at risk of deterioration due to the situation.
Beninese trucks returning have also been affected by the border closure decision. CTB estimates that over 300 trucks are in this precarious situation.
Given that Niger is landlocked and lacks maritime access, most of its imports pass through the port of Cotonou.
However, the border closure has disrupted this vital trade flow, impacting not only Nigerien transporters but, more importantly, Beninese ones.
For Benin, the economic losses due to the border closure between Benin and Niger are estimated in the billions of CFA francs, with a significant volume of imports from Niger coming through Benin.
Transporters express major concerns, notably the risk that Nigeriens may find alternative supply routes and permanently abandon the port of Cotonou.
They highlight the economic importance of the relationship between Niger and Benin and call on their leader, Patrice Talon, to reopen the border to protect the Beninese economy.
The situation is challenging for truck drivers and their families. Some are facing significant financial difficulties, especially in meeting back-to-school needs.
The border closure has led to the immobilization of most cargo trucks, resulting in considerable economic and social distress.
It should be noted that since the coup in Niger, ECOWAS, an organization under the influence of France, has imposed sanctions, including border closures, on the country.
While Benin and Nigeria have implemented these measures, other neighboring countries of Niger such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo have refused to do so.
This situation exposes the challenges and complex consequences of political decisions on economic sectors and citizens’ daily lives.
To do this, ECOWAS must stop trying to protect the geopolitical interests of its war master, France, and lift these inhumane sanctions against a people already suffering from terrorism.
Vivien AFANGBEDJI
