Benin and Niger have formalized the conclusions of the first phase of technical discussions through a joint communiqué issued on June 16, 2026, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to restoring bilateral cooperation and moving toward the gradual reopening of their shared border, closed since the political crisis of July 2023.
The process follows a visit by Beninese President Romuald Wadagni to Niamey on June 2, 2026, where talks with Nigerien leader Abdourahamane Tiani led to the establishment of a joint expert committee.
According to the communiqué, both sides welcomed the “fruitful results” of 15 days of technical work and agreed to continue consultations ahead of a consolidated report to be submitted to the two heads of state.
The discussions also reaffirmed commitments to strengthen security cooperation against terrorism and banditry, alongside plans to revive joint institutional mechanisms and deepen economic ties between the two neighbours.
