Niger and Benin signal a new chapter in diplomatic relations

A significant shift may be on the horizon for the Niger-Benin border, following three years of closure. Last Sunday, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine’s visit to Cotonou for the inauguration of the new Beninese Head of State, Romuald Wadagni, re-established a direct political channel between Niamey and Cotonou. Addressing his hosts, the Nigerien government head spoke of a “new path” for the two nations, a diplomatic phrase signaling the potential beginning of a thaw after the open crisis that erupted in the wake of the July 2023 coup.

The closure of the Malanville border post, a crucial commercial artery connecting the two states, was implemented following sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against Niger’s military regime. Since then, the movement of hydrocarbons, foodstuffs, and various goods has been rerouted through Burkina Faso and Togo, leading to a dramatic surge in logistical expenses for businesses on both sides.

Economic rift with profound repercussions

For years, the port of Cotonou served as the primary maritime gateway for Niger’s landlocked economy. Its exclusion significantly impacted Beninese customs revenues and exacerbated supply challenges for Niamey, especially following the launch of the crude oil export pipeline connecting Agadem to the Sèmè-Kpodji terminal in Benin. The disagreement surrounding this critical infrastructure, operated in collaboration with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), had intensified distrust between the two capitals throughout 2024.

Border communities experienced severe commercial hardship due to the closure, particularly in areas reliant on transit trade. Informal operators, including transporters and merchants, resorted to numerous detours via secondary routes, fostering a parallel market that proved challenging to regulate. Economist Olivier Vallée, who previously served as a technical advisor in Niger, emphasizes that an official reopening would provide immediate relief for households on both sides of the border.

Security concerns at the core of hesitations

Nevertheless, security remains a primary point of contention. Beninese authorities are grappling with an escalation of armed groups linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) across the country’s northern regions, notably within the W and Pendjari National Parks. Cotonou fears that an inadequately managed reopening of the Malanville post could inadvertently facilitate the movement of combatants and resupply logistics for cells operating in the tri-border area.

On the Nigerien side, a similar level of mistrust prevails. Transitional authorities fault Benin for reportedly tolerating the presence of elements hostile to Niger’s military government within its territory following the 2023 coup. Niamey has repeatedly alleged that Cotonou harbors training bases, claims which Beninese authorities consistently deny. This atmosphere of mutual suspicion, as noted by Olivier Vallée, accounts for the ongoing apprehension on both sides regarding potential infiltrations, whether jihadist or political.

A conditional diplomatic thaw

The assumption of the Beninese presidency by Romuald Wadagni partially reshuffles the diplomatic landscape. As a former Finance Minister well-regarded by international donors, he inherits a situation where strong economic imperatives advocate for a swift de-escalation. The full resumption of Nigerien crude oil exports through the Beninese terminal represents a potential annual revenue of several hundred billion CFA francs for both national treasuries.

The exact timeline for reopening, however, remains uncertain. Several technical stages are anticipated, including the establishment of enhanced control protocols at Malanville, the potential re-establishment of a joint security commission, and clarifying the status of nationals from both countries stranded since 2023. Niger’s integration into regional cooperation, especially after Niamey’s departure from ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Confederation of Sahel States, introduces an additional layer of institutional intricacy. The recent overture in Cotonou stands as the most concrete political signal witnessed since the crisis began.