Bénin-Niger border reopening talks gain momentum, expert sees relief for both sides

Closed for three years, the border between Bénin and Niger may soon reopen. On Saturday, June 20, Niger’s interior minister, General Mohamed Toumba, traveled to Bénin to meet experts handling the reopening dossier. He laid out three prerequisites: signing a defence agreement, concluding a security pact that establishes the inviolable principle of neither side using its territory against the other, and full transparency regarding any foreign military equipment stationed near the common frontier. Guillaume Moumouni, a political science PhD, was interviewed on this topic on June 25.

Three conditions for reopening: can Bénin accept them?

First, this is a normal part of negotiations. When you enter talks, you try to maximise your expectations, then later adjust what is acceptable to your partner. In principle, Bénin cannot reject these prerequisites, especially since a defence accord already existed between the two nations before Niger’s regime renounced it in September 2023.

On the transparency issue, Bénin has repeatedly provided educational explanations to reassure Niger that no foreign bases are present. This second point is mainly a communication effort to calm Niger’s concerns. It is fundamentally a matter of territorial integrity. The third prerequisite appears more delicate and will likely spark further discussions. That does not mean all conditions will be accepted wholesale.

Beyond the three conditions, what are the sticking points identified by the expert committee?

After Romuald Wadagni’s visit to Niger in early June, a committee of experts was tasked with listing the obstacles and proposing terms for reopening. The primary hurdle appears to be Niger’s lack of guarantee that its territory will not be violated by foreign forces. This clearly refers to France, which has strained relations with Niger’s current leadership while maintaining normal ties, including military cooperation, with Bénin. That is the main point of friction.

We are in a security dilemma. Even though the highest authorities of both countries have shown clear political will to warm relations and restore diplomatic ties, this issue is not insurmountable. Niger’s side primarily seeks reassurance and verification that no hostile intentions exist along its borders.

Economic and security toll: is reopening inevitable for both nations?

The border closure over three years has had severe consequences for daily life in border communities, truckers using the route, and both economies and security. Reopening is crucial. It must also be clearly communicated on the Nigerien side that the closure is not solely Bénin’s fault; Niger also contributed. Everyone knows the port of Cotonou is Niger’s natural gateway. The opportunity cost is enormous for Niger, and the impact is significant for both economies. Both sides therefore have a strong incentive to reach a solution.