Relations between Benin and Niger have hit a new low, with Benin shutting down all river traffic across their shared border. This move comes amidst escalating trade tensions and lingering friction following Niger’s military takeover last July.
Despite the West African regional bloc ECOWAS lifting sanctions on Niger’s military junta in February, Benin and Niger have been locked in a tit-for-tat dispute over trade flows. The situation has been further complicated by the spillover of jihadist violence from Niger and Burkina Faso, which threatens Benin and its coastal neighbors.
Initially, Benin opened its border in line with the lifting of sanctions. However, frustrations mounted in Benin as Niger kept its side closed, prompting President Patrice Talon to accuse Niger of treating Benin “like an enemy.”
In a gesture of solidarity, Benin previously turned a blind eye to informal cross-border trade, particularly the movement of food staples like cereals, across the Niger River by boat. However, that goodwill has run out.
“The river is part of the border,” explained a source close to the Benin government. “Niger claims its borders with Benin are closed. This is a consequence.” The source also raised safety concerns about uncontrolled river traffic.
According to a Benin military official in Malanville, the bridge crossing the river remains closed on the Niger side. Additionally, Benin has now prohibited all movement of goods across the river itself. The official anonymously stated, “We first banned goods, now there’s no more water traffic. We’re deployed to prevent any crossings.”
Residents in Malanville confirmed a significant deployment of Beninese security forces in the area. Several residents also reported that Nigerien citizens attempting to cross the river were turned back by troops on the other side.
The closure of river trade is the latest escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the two neighbors. Benin’s President Talon blames informal border trade for rising living costs in Benin, which recently sparked protests. In a partial concession earlier this month, Benin agreed to continue allowing Niger to export oil through its port of Seme.
