In a recent development signaling escalating tensions between Benin and Niger, sources informed AFP on Thursday that Benin has blocked border crossings to Niger across the river separating the two neighboring countries. This move comes amid a backdrop of increased discord since the military seized power in Niamey last July.
The relationship between Benin and Niger has witnessed a surge in tit-for-tat accusations in recent weeks concerning the movement of goods. This friction persists despite the West African bloc ECOWAS lifting sanctions imposed on Niger’s military rulers back in February.
Complicating matters further, the border dynamics are influenced by the spillage of conflicts from expanding insurgent activities in Niger and Burkina Faso. These conflicts increasingly pose threats not only to Benin but also to its Gulf of Guinea neighbors, including Ghana and Togo.
Initially, Benin had announced the opening of its border concurrently with the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions. However, the border has since remained closed on the Niger side, eliciting frustration from Beninese President Patrice Talon, who accused Niger of treating them as “an enemy.”
Benin, up until now, had been tolerating informal transit of foodstuffs to Niger, particularly cereals, via boats across the Niger River as a gesture of solidarity with its neighbor. However, a source close to the Benin government has confirmed that this river crossing has now been shut down.
“The river is part of the border. Niger says its borders with Benin are closed. It’s a consequence,” the source stated, expressing concerns about unregulated boat traffic and the potential for tragedies.
According to various sources, including a Benin military official, a police officer, and local residents, the Malanville bridge, which serves as a border crossing between the two countries, remains closed on the Niger side. Furthermore, the transport of goods across the Niger River is now prohibited.
“The suspension was gradual. We first banned the passage of goods, now there is no more traffic on the water,” revealed a military official who preferred anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak to the media. “We have been deployed to prevent any boarding here.”
Reports from Malanville indicate a significant deployment of Benin police and troops in the area. Witnesses confirm that Nigeriens attempting to cross the river have been dispersed by troops stationed on the other side.
This closure of river traffic marks the latest in a series of decisions impacting trade between the two countries. President Talon has attributed the rise in the cost of living in Benin to informal border trafficking, which prompted protests last month. However, earlier this month, Benin announced it would continue to allow exports of Nigerien oil through its port of Seme, resolving one of the contentious issues between the two nations.