Reopen Your Borders – ECOWAS Tells Benin, Niger As Conflict Lingers Between Both Countries

The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) Task Force has called upon the Republic of Benin and the Niger Republic to resolve their differences through dialogue and to reopen their shared border.

Naija News reports that the Chairman of the Task Force, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, made this appeal in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, following a recent high-level dialogue between the two nations.

He praised the initiatives undertaken by former presidents of Benin, Nicephore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi, aimed at restoring the free movement of people and goods between the two countries, which has been disrupted since July 2023.

Chambas emphasized that reinstating the free movement of individuals and goods would alleviate the hardships faced by border communities, cross-border transporters, traders, and travellers.

He referenced the recent mediation visit by the two former presidents to the Nigerien Head of State, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, in Niamey, where discussions focused on the future of their historically, geographically, and socially connected nations.

Additionally, he noted that President Patrice Talon of Benin received a high-level delegation from Niger, led by Minister of the Interior Gen. Mohamed Toumba, during a reciprocal visit.

Chambas commended the proactive approach taken by the two former presidents of Benin, the openness demonstrated by the current leaders of both countries and the constructive discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.

He stated that the ETLS acknowledged the productive consultations held in Niamey, recognized the reciprocal visit to Cotonou and appreciated the warm welcome extended to the Nigerien delegation by President Patrice Talon.

“The ETLS Task Force applauds the spirit of good neighbourliness exhibited by both sides and encourages them to resolve any differences through dialogue and within the framework of African brotherhood.

“We urge them to move swiftly to reopen their common frontier to ease the suffering of people, border communities, cross-border transporters, traders, and travellers, in the spirit of Pan-African solidarity and integration,” Chambas said.

Naija News understands that ETLS is a consultative body formed by ECOWAS on November 25, 2015, aimed at facilitating the efficient movement of individuals and goods within the community.

This is achieved through arbitration and the peaceful resolution of conflicts among member states. Additionally, it has been tasked with the roles of advocacy and mediation with the senior political leaders of the member states.