Benin-Niger border reopening: conditions set by Niger for a mutual relief
Closed for three years, the Benin-Niger border may soon reopen. On Saturday, June 20, Niger’s Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba traveled to Benin to meet with experts handling the border reopening file. He presented three conditions: signing a defense agreement, a security accord establishing the inviolable principle of non-use of each other’s territory, and full transparency regarding foreign military assets stationed near the shared border. Guillaume Moumouni, a political science doctor, commented on the prospects for reopening.
On Saturday, Niger’s interior minister visited Benin to meet with experts on the border reopening file. He laid out three conditions: signing a defense agreement, a security accord that establishes the inviolable principle of not using each other’s territory against the other, and full transparency on foreign military assets stationed near the border. Does Benin have reason to reject these conditions?
First, this is part of normal negotiation dynamics. When entering negotiations, each side seeks to maximize its expectations, later adjusting to what is acceptable to the partner. Benin, in principle, cannot reject these prerequisites, given that a defense agreement already existed between the two countries before Niger denounced it in September 2023. Regarding transparency, Benin has repeatedly provided educational explanations to reassure Niger about the absence of foreign bases. This second point is essentially a communication effort to reassure Niger. The third condition appears more sensitive and will likely require discussion. It does not mean all conditions will be accepted as a package.
After Romuald Wadagni’s visit to Niger in early June, an expert committee was tasked with identifying sticking points before proposing conditions for reopening. What are these blockages, beyond the three conditions?
The primary sticking point appears to be the lack of guarantee on Niger’s side that its territory will not be violated by foreign forces. This mainly refers to France, which no longer has good relations with Niger’s government but maintains normal ties, including military cooperation, with Benin. This is the main obstacle. We are in a security dilemma context. Even though the highest authorities of both countries have clearly expressed political will to warm relations and restore diplomatic ties, this point is not insurmountable. Niger principally seeks reassurance and verification that there are no hostile intentions along its borders.
The three-year border closure has had many consequences on daily life for border communities, truckers using the route, and on economic and security aspects. Isn’t reopening inevitable for both economies and to resolve some security issues?
This is a crucial point. It is also important to better convey, on Niger’s side, that the border closure is not solely attributable to Benin but also to Niger. Everyone knows that the port of Cotonou is Niger’s natural gateway. The opportunity cost is very high for Niger, with significant consequences for both Nigerien and Beninese economies. Both sides thus have an interest in finding a solution.
