Bénin and Niger on the cusp of fully reopening their shared border

Bénin and Niger are intensifying efforts to normalize their strained relationship, which has been tense since the military junta assumed power in Niamey in July 2023. A recent visit by Bénin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, to the Nigerien capital on June 2, reignited the momentum for de-escalation. Joint expert committees, established following the June 2 meeting, convened in Cotonou on Saturday, June 20, to continue discussions aimed at a full reopening of their shared border and a complete thaw in relations. The initial day of deliberations concluded late afternoon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nigerien Minister of State for Security, General Mohamed Toumba, and his Béninois counterpart for African Integration, Adjadi Bakari, co-chaired the June 20 meeting between the Béninois and Nigerien expert committees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cotonou. High-ranking military and police officials, alongside intelligence service chiefs, were also present in the room.

The experts were divided into three specialized working groups: security and defense, diplomacy and legal affairs, and finally, economy. Every point of contention and mistrust was thoroughly examined. At the conclusion of their individual tasks, each group is slated to present its findings in a plenary session.

During the opening remarks, General Mohamed Toumba and Oloushegun Adjadi Bakari shared their perspectives. The June 2 encounter in Niamey between Romuald Wadagni and Abdourahamane Tiani has paved a “new path, one of reconciliation and fraternal dialogue,” declared the Nigerien Security Minister. For his part, Bénin’s Minister for African Integration affirmed, “The Béninois delegation is fully committed to ensuring that the efforts observed over recent weeks and the notable progress in our discussions translate into concrete actions.”

Anticipation builds for border reopening

A participant highlighted “an evident openness and willingness from both sides.” A senior official, meanwhile, asserted that “accusations of destabilization are now behind us.” This statement alluded to long-standing grievances from Niamey, which had accused Cotonou of hosting French military bases and serving as a transit point for terrorist groups responsible for attacks within Nigerien territory.

The highly anticipated border reopening is indeed “a done deal,” confirmed a member of the economic commission. However, a diplomat added that some “confidence-building measures” still need to be implemented, without specifying their nature. “It’s coming soon,” a member of the Nigerien delegation confidently stated.

The closed-door meeting is set to continue this Sunday, June 21. “The work is not yet finished,” a delegate reminded attendees. According to internal insights, the ultimate goal is to finalize agreements pertaining to defense, security, and customs exchanges between the two West Africa Sahel nations.