The West African nation of Niger remains hesitant to reopen its border with Benin, despite the recent lifting of sanctions by the regional bloc ECOWAS. The move comes two days after ECOWAS announced the removal of sanctions imposed after last year’s military coup in Niger, including border closures, a no-fly zone, and asset freezes.
“There has still been no change on the Niger side,” reported local journalist Fhadel Alou, speaking from the Nigerien border town of Gaya. “The border hasn’t been opened, so we’re still waiting.” Alou confirmed that Benin reopened its side of the border, leaving the bridge on the frontier blocked by the Nigerien military according to residents on the Beninese side.
The delayed border reopening raises questions about Niger’s intentions and its relationship with ECOWAS. The regional bloc aimed to pressure the military junta through sanctions to release President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in the July 2023 coup. However, Bazoum remains under house arrest and ECOWAS’ threat of military intervention appears to have faded.
The closure of the Niger-Benin corridor significantly impacted Niger’s economy, as it previously handled 80% of the country’s freight through the Beninese port of Cotonou. While Benin has lifted its restrictions on Nigerien imports transiting through the port, a full resumption of trade and economic activity remains contingent on Niger’s decision to reopen the border.
ECOWAS’ decision to ease sanctions on Niger, along with Mali and Guinea, also facing internal political turmoil, signifies a shift towards dialogue with the member states experiencing military coups. This comes after the three nations expressed their intention to leave the regional bloc, raising concerns about its future stability and unity.
