On saturday 20 june, Niger’s interior minister general mohamed toumba visited Benin to meet experts handling the common border reopening file. He laid down three conditions: signing a defence agreement, signing a security agreement that firmly establishes the principle of non-use of either country’s territory against the other, and full transparency regarding foreign military assets stationed near the shared border. Does Benin have reasons to reject these conditions?

First, this is part of normal negotiation dynamics. In any negotiation, each side seeks to maximise its expectations, then adjusts to what the partner can accept. In principle, Benin cannot reject the conditions as stated, especially since a defence agreement already existed between the two nations before Niger denounced it in september 2023.

Regarding transparency, Benin has repeatedly provided clear explanations to reassure Niger that no foreign bases are present. This point is mainly a communication effort to satisfy Niger’s concerns about territorial integrity. The third condition appears more sensitive and will likely spark further discussions. Not all conditions will be accepted unchanged.

After romuald wadagni’s visit to Niger in early june, a committee of experts was tasked with identifying blockages and proposing reopening conditions. Beyond the three conditions, what are these sticking points?

The main blockage seems to be Niger’s lack of guarantee that its territory will not be violated by foreign forces. This refers primarily to France, which has strained relations with Niger’s government but maintains normal ties, including military cooperation, with Benin. That is the core issue.

We are in a security dilemma context. Although the highest authorities of both countries have clearly expressed political will to warm relations and restore diplomatic ties, this point is not insurmountable. Niger seeks reassurance and verification that no hostile intentions exist near its borders.

The border closure for three years has had many consequences: on daily life of border communities, on truckers using this route, and on economic and security fronts. Isn’t reopening inevitable for both economies and to address some security issues?

This is essential. It should also be better understood in Niger that the border closure is not solely Benin’s fault; Niger shares responsibility. Everyone knows the port of Cotonou is Niger’s natural gateway. The opportunity cost for Niger is very high, and the impact is significant for both economies. Both sides have a clear interest in finding a solution.