Bénin and Niger are moving closer to reopening their shared border following a high-level meeting in Cotonou. The talks, held on June 20, follow President Romuald Wadagni’s recent visit to Niamey and reflect ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic ties between both nations.

Led by Niger’s State Minister of Security, General Mohamed Toumba, and Bénin’s Minister of African Integration, Adjadi Bakari, the joint committee of experts convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address key areas: security, defense, diplomacy, legal frameworks, and economic cooperation. Discussions are continuing privately into June 21.

While the reopening of the border remains a priority, final agreements on defense protocols, security arrangements, and customs procedures are still required before full normalization is achieved.