Bénin and Niger have taken a significant step toward restoring bilateral relations through a series of high-level discussions in Cotonou. The meetings follow President Romuald Wadagni’s official visit to Niamey on June 2, where both nations outlined commitments to reopen their shared border.

The closed-door session on June 20, chaired by Niger’s Minister of State for Security, General Mohamed Toumba, and Bénin’s Minister of African Integration, Adjadi Bakari, focused on critical areas such as security, defense, diplomatic frameworks, legal considerations, and economic cooperation. The ongoing talks, which began on June 20, are set to continue through Sunday, June 21.

While the reopening of the Bénin-Niger border is a priority, final agreements must still be reached on defense protocols, security arrangements, and customs procedures before the process can be completed.