Niger: Niamey discredits the lifting of the suspension of its imported goods via the port of Cotonou

In a statement released on Wednesday, December 27th, the director of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (Benin) announced the lifting of the suspension on imported goods transiting to Niamey from Cotonou.This decision comes a week after Benin’s President Patrice Talon expressed the desire to quickly restore relations with its neighbor, Niger.

Less than 24 hours after the decision to lift the suspension on imports of goods destined for Niger through the Port of Cotonou, the response from the Nigerien authorities was swift.

The Niger Chamber of Commerce and Industry reminds economic operators that the illegal and unjust sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the closure of borders to block commercial transactions with Niger, remain in effect.

To this end, the Niger Chamber of Commerce and Industry urges economic operators to continue using the ports and corridors that have been servicing the country since the events of July 26th.

The lifting of the suspension on imports of goods transiting to Niger through the Port of Cotonou comes five months after the country was placed under ECOWAS sanctions.

ECOWAS sanctions against Niger have had significant economic consequences for Benin, including a decline in its port revenues.

This clearly reflects the repercussions that Benin is facing as a result of its actions toward Niamey.

Niger, having built resilience against multiple ECOWAS sanctions, appears less inclined to accept any overtures from Benin.

According to the population, Benin declared war on Niger by closing its borders when assistance was needed, and furthermore, Benin was serving as a military base ready to unlawfully aggress against Niger.

Olivier TOE