Niger / Benin: As of March 1, authorities maintaining land border closure despite lifting of ECOWAS sanctions Feb. 24

As of March 1, authorities in Niger are maintaining the land border closure with Benin until further notice despite the lifting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions on Feb. 24. However, the land border from Benin towards Niger is open to traffic. The sanctions were initially imposed following the July 26, 2023, military coup that ousted the regime of President Mohammed Bazoum and included several restrictions, including the closure of land and air borders with Niger and ECOWAS countries.

It is unclear how long the closure will remain in place. Should the border reopen, passenger and commercial travel may take several days to normalize fully. Truck drivers and residents may assemble at the border to protest the closure.