Last year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), imposed border closures on land and air routes with Niger, to persuade the military junta, which seized power in a July coup, to reinstate civilian rule. While the sanctions were lifted earlier this year, Niger has maintained its land borders with Benin closed.
President Talon stated that while Benin had promptly implemented measures to lift sanctions and open borders, “It’s unfortunate to note that since then, Niger hasn’t done the same.”
Now, the agreement to hold talks followed a meeting between Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, and former Benin presidents Thomas Boni Yayi and Nicephore Soglo on June 24, as stated by Niger’s government.
Authorities in both countries said no date had been set for the meeting. A resolution could enable the resumption of oil flow to China via the PetroChina-backed pipeline, Reuters reported.
Niger suspended oil exports through the 2,000-km (1,243-mile) pipeline to Benin’s coast in mid-June as tensions over the border closure escalated.
Relations between Niger and its neighbours have been strained since the coup, with Niger accusing Benin of hosting insurgents plotting to destabilize the Sahel nation. Benin has denied these accusations. In June, the pipeline was sabotaged by an armed Niger rebel group opposed to the junta, causing minor damage.
General Tiani told the former Beninese heads of state that he was open to frank dialogue and accepted their proposal to defuse tensions, according to Tuesday’s statement.
“He agreed to the principle of forming a commission comprised of representatives from Niger’s government, Benin’s government and the two visiting former Beninese heads of state,” the statement said.
The former leaders held a follow-up meeting with Benin’s president, Patrice Talon, on Monday, they said in a separate statement.
“The president and the former presidents agreed on the need to reestablish dialogue as agreed by all parties,” it said.
