A new chapter for Niger-Benin border relations

After three years of closure, the Niger-Benin border appears poised for a significant shift. A recent visit by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine to Cotonou last Sunday, where he attended the inauguration of Benin’s new Head of State, Romuald Wadagni, has re-established a direct political channel between Niamey and Cotonou. During his discussions, the Nigerien head of government spoke of a “new path” for the two nations, a diplomatic overture signaling the potential for a thaw following an open crisis that erupted after the July 2023 coup.

The closure of the Malanville border post, a crucial commercial gateway linking the two states, was a direct consequence of sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against Niger’s military regime. Since then, vital flows of hydrocarbons, foodstuffs, and various goods have been rerouted through Burkina Faso and Togo, leading to a substantial increase in logistical expenses for businesses on both sides of the divide.

Severe economic repercussions felt by the region

For an economy like Niger’s, which is structurally landlocked, the Port of Cotonou traditionally served as its primary maritime outlet. Its exclusion has significantly impacted Beninese customs revenues and complicated supply chains for Niamey, a situation exacerbated by the inauguration of the crude oil export pipeline connecting Agadem to Benin’s Sèmè-Kpodji terminal. Disagreements surrounding this critical infrastructure, operated in partnership with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), further intensified the mutual distrust between the two capitals throughout 2024.

For communities living along the frontier, the closure brought commercial strangulation, as many localities relied heavily on transit trade. Informal operators, including transporters and merchants, resorted to numerous detours via secondary routes, fueling an unregulated parallel market. An economist who previously advised Niger pointed out that an official reopening would provide immediate relief for households on both sides of the border, a key development in African current affairs.

Security concerns remain a core sticking point

Nevertheless, security concerns persist as a primary area of contention. Beninese authorities are grappling with an escalation of armed groups, including those affiliated with the Islamic State in the Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), particularly in the northern regions and within the W and Pendjari National Parks. Cotonou fears that an uncontrolled reopening of the Malanville post could facilitate the movement of combatants and enable logistical resupply for cells operating in the tri-border area.

From Niger’s perspective, a similar level of apprehension exists. The transitional authorities accuse Benin of having permitted the presence of elements hostile to the military government on its territory following the 2023 coup. Niamey has repeatedly alleged that Cotonou hosts training bases, claims consistently denied by Beninese officials. This climate of mutual suspicion explains why, according to experts, both sides remain wary of infiltrations, whether jihadist or political, highlighting ongoing challenges in African governance.

A conditional diplomatic thaw

Romuald Wadagni’s assumption of the Beninese presidency partially reshuffles the cards. As a former finance minister well-regarded by international donors, he inherits a situation where economic interests strongly advocate for a swift resolution. The full resumption of Nigerien crude oil exports through the Beninese terminal represents an annual stake of hundreds of billions of CFA francs for both national treasuries, a significant aspect of continent news.

However, the timeline for a full reopening remains uncertain. Several technical stages are anticipated, including the establishment of enhanced control protocols at Malanville, the potential reactivation of a joint security commission, and clarification on the status of citizens from both countries who have been stranded since 2023. Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Confederation of Sahel States further complicates regional cooperation dynamics, adding a layer of institutional complexity. Despite these challenges, the recent gesture in Cotonou marks the most tangible political signal since the onset of the crisis, offering a glimmer of hope for improved Niger Benin border relations.