Niger and Benin Move to Mend Ties as Border Reopening Talks Gain Momentum
Last update: June 21, 2026
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After months of frosty relations and a closed border, Niger and Benin are finally talking — and a breakthrough could be just around the corner.
Things might be thawing between Niger and Benin. High-level talks were held in Cotonou over the weekend, all part of a push to normalise relations between the two West African neighbours. This comes hot on the heels of a visit to Niger earlier this month by Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni — a trip that seems to have kick-started fresh momentum.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Relations went south after the military took power in Niger back in July 2023. Niamey promptly shut its border with Benin, choking trade. It didn’t stop there. Niger accused Cotonou of hosting French military bases, helping to destabilise the new junta, and even acting as a channel for terrorist groups behind attacks in Niger.
That coup also saw Niger break away from France, its old colonial power and traditional ally. Both countries, like many in the region, are still battling jihadist violence. But Wadagni’s 2 June visit looks to have changed the tone. On Saturday, newly set up joint expert committees sat down to thrash things out.
Top of the agenda? Reopening that shared border and easing the crisis. The talks covered security and defence, diplomacy and legal issues, and the economy. One delegate even called the border reopening a “done deal". Discussions were expected to continue on Sunday.
cbinews.tv
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