(Ecofin Agency) - Benin announced in late February the reopening of its land border with Niger, in line with directives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Yet, the passage remains sealed on the Niger side, despite the operational commencement of the Benin-Niger pipeline.

Amid rising tensions with Niamey, Benin has welcomed a delegation from Niger's customs service since Sunday, March 3, media sources report. The visit is primarily aimed at discussing the newly commissioned Benin-Niger pipeline, designed to transport oil from the Agadem field to the port of Sème in southern Benin. According to RFI, the delegation, comprising five senior Niger customs officials focused on "regulation, cooperation, control, and economic partnership facilitation," will remain in the country until March 9.

While officially centered on the pipeline, the visit may also serve as a platform for both countries to explore other essential areas of cooperation. Following the July 2023 ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum, relations between Benin and Niger's military authorities have deteriorated, with the latter accusing Cotonou of rapidly and rigorously implementing ECOWAS-imposed sanctions, such as border closures and port access bans, significantly affecting both sides.

After ECOWAS lifted its sanctions in late February, Benin reopened its borders with its northern neighbor. However, Niger has maintained its border closure, citing security concerns.

Benin has maintained a conciliatory stance throughout the tensions. Even before the easing of ECOWAS sanctions, Beninese authorities had lifted the blockade on Nigerien products at the port of Cotonou. Despite multiple appeals for dialog from President Talon, General Abdourahamane Tiani's government has yet to express a readiness to renew cooperation with its southern neighbor.

With Niger now part of the Alliance of Sahel States and officially announcing its immediate exit from ECOWAS, observers are keen to see whether future discussions between Cotonou and Niamey will occur within a community framework or on a bilateral basis.