Benin-Niger border reopening prospects: Niamey’s three conditions analysed

Closed for three years, could the Benin-Niger border finally reopen soon? On Saturday, June 20, Niger’s Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, visited Benin to meet with experts handling the reopening of the shared border. He laid out three conditions: signing a defense agreement, signing a security agreement with the inviolable principle of non-use of each other’s territory against the other, and full transparency on foreign military assets stationed near the border. Guillaume Moumouni, a political science doctor, shared his analysis.

On Saturday, Niger’s interior minister visited Benin and set three conditions. Does Benin have reasons to reject them?

First, this is part of a normal negotiation process. When negotiating, each side seeks to maximize expectations, then adjusts to what is acceptable. Benin cannot reject the principles outright, especially since a defense agreement already existed between the two countries before Niger’s government denounced it in September 2023. On transparency, Benin has repeatedly provided clear explanations to assure Niger that no foreign bases are present on its soil. This point is mainly about reassurance and territorial integrity. The third condition appears more sensitive and will likely require further talks. It is not certain that all conditions will be accepted as a package.

After Romuald Wadagni’s visit to Niger in early June, a committee of experts was tasked with identifying sticking points before proposing reopening conditions. What are these obstacles beyond the three conditions?

The main sticking point is Niger’s lack of guarantee that its territory will not be violated by foreign forces. This essentially refers to France, which has poor relations with Niger’s government but maintains normal ties and military cooperation with Benin. This is the core security dilemma. Although top leaders of both countries have expressed clear political will to warm relations and restore diplomatic ties, this issue is not insurmountable. Niger primarily seeks reassurance and verification that no hostile intentions exist along its borders.

The border closure has had major consequences for local populations, truckers, the economy, and security. Is reopening inevitable for both economies and to address security issues?

This is a crucial point. It is important to understand that the border closure was not solely Benin’s doing; Niger also shut its side. Everyone knows that the port of Cotonou is Niger’s natural gateway. The opportunity cost is extremely high for Niger, and the consequences are significant for both the Nigerien and Beninese economies. Both parties therefore have a strong interest in reaching a solution.