Niger and Benin are on the verge of a new phase: a joint committee is paving the way for the reopening of the border.

Written by Omnia Hassan

In a development reflecting a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations, authorities in  Niger Regarding the formation of a joint committee to study and prepare the necessary arrangements for reopening the land borders with Benin, after nearly three years of closure that affected trade and movement between the two countries.

The Nigerien News Agency reported that Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zene issued an official decree to form the committee on June 5 in the capital Niamey, in a move considered a positive indicator of improved political and economic relations between the two West African neighbors.

15-day deadline to study reopening mechanisms

According to the agreement reached during the visit of Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadani, to Niamey at the beginning of June, the joint committee was given a deadline of no more than 15 days to study the technical and security conditions and procedures necessary to restart the border crossings between the two countries.

The committee is expected to focus on developing a practical framework that ensures the resumption of the movement of people and goods in an orderly manner, in a way that achieves common economic interests and enhances regional stability.

Political emphasis on removing obstacles and strengthening cooperation

The formation of the committee came after high-level meetings in the Nigerien capital, where both sides affirmed their commitment to working to remove the various obstacles hindering the development of bilateral relations.

Officials from both countries also stressed the importance of rebuilding bridges of cooperation in the economic, trade and security fields.

Reopening the borders is one of the most prominent issues on the agenda of the dialogue between Niamey and Cotonou, especially given the need to revitalize trade and improve transportation between the two countries.

Closure since July 2023 and widespread economic impacts

The border between Niger and Benin has been closed since July 30, 2023, following political developments in Niger, which has affected regional trade and supply chains, especially since the port of Cotonou in Benin is an important strategic outlet for landlocked Niger.

Observers believe that the committee's success in reaching a practical agreement to reopen the borders would represent an important step towards restoring trust between the two countries, and would open the door to a new phase of economic cooperation and regional integration in West Africa.