(Ecofin Agency) - Benin has closed the river trade route to Niger, citing its use as a hub for informal trafficking between the two countries. President Patrice Talon had previously justified banning the export of Nigerien crude oil from Sèmè by highlighting the illicit activities along this route.

On May 22, local media reported that a contingent of security forces was deployed to enforce the closure of the river route, which had been an alternative exchange channel since the closure of land borders. This action effectively leaves the reopening of the Nigerien border as the only viable option for resuming cross-border trade for the local populations.

This development is the latest in a series of disputes between Benin and Niger since July 2023. Recently, Cotonou banned the export of Nigerien oil from the Sèmè port, where the transnational pipeline from the Agadem fields terminates. However, a Chinese-brokered mediation allowed the first shipment to proceed.

Despite the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions in April, Niger has kept barriers at its main border post with Benin, prompting Benin's current countermeasures. Niger's Prime Minister stated that the country would maintain the barriers as long as its security remains threatened

Niamey claims that the Kandi region in northern Benin hosts French military bases aiming to destabilize the military regime in power since July 2023. The Beninese government denies these accusations, though it maintains security cooperation agreements with France, similar to other African nations, to combat rising terrorism in the region.