The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) Task Force has called on the Republic of Benin and Niger Republic to resolve their differences through dialogue and reopen their shared border.
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the Task Force Chairman, made this appeal in a statement provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, following recent high-level discussions between the two nations.
He praised the efforts of former Benin Presidents Nicephore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi in working towards restoring the free movement of people and goods between Benin and Niger, which had been disrupted since July 2023.
Chambas emphasized that resuming free movement across the border would alleviate the hardships faced by residents, border communities, cross-border transporters, traders, and travelers.
He mentioned the recent mediation visit by the two former presidents to Niger’s Head of State, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, in Niamey. During this visit, the two nations, bound by historical, geographical, and social connections, thoroughly discussed resolving their issues.
He also noted that President Patrice Talon of Benin hosted a high-level delegation from Niger, led by Interior Minister Gen. Mohamed Toumba, in a reciprocal visit.
Chambas commended the constructive actions taken by the former presidents of Benin, the openness shown by the current presidents of both countries and the productive conversations aimed at resolving the crisis.
The ETLS acknowledged the positive outcomes of the meetings in Niamey and the return visit to Cotonou, where President Talon warmly received the Nigerien delegation.
“The ETLS Task Force appreciates the spirit of good neighborliness demonstrated by both sides and urges them to resolve their differences through dialogue, fostering a sense of African brotherhood,” Chambas stated. “We encourage them to swiftly reopen their shared border to ease the suffering of the people, border communities, cross-border transporters, traders, and travelers, in the spirit of Pan-African solidarity and integration.”
The ETLS, established by ECOWAS on November 25, 2015, serves as a consultative body to facilitate the free movement of people and goods within the community. It also plays a role in arbitration, dispute resolution among member states, advocacy, and mediation with high-level political authorities in the region.