Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani and Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni have pledged to remove barriers to stronger bilateral cooperation, including steps toward reopening their shared border, according to a joint statement issued in Niamey on June 2, 2026, at the end of the Beninese President’s visit.
The two leaders agreed to establish a committee of experts tasked with identifying existing obstacles and proposing solutions. The committee is expected to submit its report to both heads of state within 15 days.
During their discussions, the presidents reaffirmed the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Niger and Benin, expressing a shared commitment to deepen relations in line with the aspirations of their citizens for peace, security and development.
Security featured prominently in the talks, with both sides addressing the ongoing terrorist threat in the Sahel and West Africa. They agreed to strengthen joint efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, which continue to undermine stability and development across the sub-region.
The two countries also committed to expanding cooperation in political, economic, scientific and cultural areas, including the regular convening of the Niger-Benin Joint Commission for Cooperation.