Benin-Niger borders: Cotonou believes that the final act depends on Niamey.
Despite the ongoing closure of the land border between Benin and Niger, the Beninese authorities believe they have completed all necessary steps to normalize bilateral relations.
In front of the media on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the government spokesperson, Wilfried Houngbédji, reminded that the final decision now lies with the Nigerien authorities.
Since his inauguration on May 24, 2026, President Romuald Wadagni has launched several direct initiatives to unblock the situation. On June 2, 2026, the Beninese head of state visited Niamey to discuss with General Abdourahamane Tiani, agreeing to create a committee of experts.
After the committee submitted its report on June 16, an intergovernmental meeting took place in Cotonou on Saturday, June 20, 2026, to implement the roadmap.
Despite these meetings, the border remains closed. General Tiani had mentioned on Nigerien national television the need to meet certain “preconditions” before any effective reopening.
An open position from Cotonou
In response to questions from the press, Wilfried Houngbédji stated Benin’s willingness to respond to any realistic and formalized expectations from Niamey.
“Benin has already made the efforts, the steps it needs to take. If there is still something objective that we have not done yet, and if it is shown to us (…) that it is indeed something objective that remains to be done, we will do it,” he said.
Reminding that the two nations are “doomed to live like brothers, like friendly countries,” the government spokesperson reiterated that Cotonou has taken all its responsibilities and is now waiting for a concrete sign from the Nigerien authorities for the reopening of the borders.
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