After three years of closure, a significant shift in the relationship between Niger and Bénin appears to be underway at their shared border. The recent visit by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine to Cotonou last Sunday, coinciding with the inauguration of Bénin’s new head of state, Romuald Wadagni, has re-established direct political dialogue between Niamey and Cotonou. Addressing his hosts, the Nigerien head of government spoke of a “new path” for the two nations, a diplomatic phrase that suggests the beginning of a thaw following a period of open crisis that began in the wake of the July 2023 coup d’état.

The closure of the Malanville border post, a vital commercial artery between the two countries, was a direct consequence of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions imposed on Niger’s military regime. Since then, the flow of fuel, foodstuffs, and various goods has been rerouted through Burkina Faso and Togo, leading to a significant escalation in logistical costs for businesses on both sides of the frontier.

Economic rift impacts regional trade and livelihoods

The port of Cotonou traditionally served as the primary maritime gateway for Niger’s landlocked economy. Its exclusion has severely impacted Bénin’s customs revenues and complicated supply chains for Niamey, particularly after the commissioning of the crude oil export pipeline linking Agadem to Bénin’s Sèmè-Kpodji terminal. A contentious dispute surrounding this infrastructure, operated in partnership with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), had intensified mistrust between the two capitals throughout 2024.

For communities living along the border, the closure has brought commercial stagnation to localities heavily reliant on transit trade. Informal operators, including transporters and merchants, have resorted to numerous detours via secondary routes, fueling an unregulated parallel market. Olivier Vallée, an economist and former technical advisor in Niger, highlights that an official reopening would provide immediate relief for households on both sides of the border, addressing critical Sahel current affairs.

Security concerns remain a core challenge

However, security concerns persist as the primary obstacle to full normalization. Béninese authorities are contending with an escalation of armed groups, including affiliates of the Islamic State in the Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), operating in the country’s northern regions, particularly within the W and Pendjari National Parks. Cotonou fears that an uncontrolled reopening of the Malanville post could facilitate the movement of combatants and resupply logistics for cells established in the tri-border area.

From Niger’s perspective, a similar level of apprehension exists. The transitional authorities accuse Bénin of having permitted the presence of elements hostile to the military government on its territory following the 2023 coup. Niamey has repeatedly alleged that Cotonou hosts training bases, claims consistently denied by Béninese officials. This atmosphere of mutual suspicion, as noted by Olivier Vallée, explains why both sides remain wary of infiltrations, whether jihadist or political.

Conditional path to renewed cooperation

The assumption of the Béninese presidency by Romuald Wadagni partially reconfigures the situation. As a former Finance Minister well-regarded by international donors, he inherits a portfolio where economic interests strongly advocate for swift de-escalation. The full resumption of Nigerien crude oil exports through the Béninese terminal represents a potential influx of several hundred billion CFA francs annually for both national treasuries.

Despite these positive signals, the exact timeline for reopening remains uncertain. Several technical stages are anticipated, including the establishment of enhanced control protocols at Malanville, the potential reactivation of a joint security commission, and clarification on the status of nationals from both countries who have been stranded since 2023. Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) adds another layer of institutional complexity to the regional cooperation dynamic. Nevertheless, the recent diplomatic gesture in Cotonou marks the most tangible political signal since the crisis began, offering hope for improved Niger-Benin border relations.