Benin and Niger Exchange Expulsion Orders as Border and Pipeline Row Spirals into ‘Tit-for-Tat’ Crisis

The fragile peace between Benin Republic and Niger Republic has shattered as both nations moved to expel each other’s diplomats, signaling a dangerous escalation in a year-long geopolitical feud.

The latest round of hostilities began when the Nigerien military authorities in Niamey announced the immediate expulsion of a senior Beninese diplomat. While the junta provided little specific detail, it accused the official of engaging in “clandestine activities” that threatened the national security of the Sahelian state.

Not to be outdone, the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a reciprocal order shortly after, declaring a top Nigerien representative persona non grata. The Beninese government described the move as a necessary defense of its sovereign dignity, following what it termed “unprovoked aggression” from Niamey.

The diplomatic spat is the latest chapter in a bitter rivalry that began with the July 2023 coup in Niger. Since then, the two neighbors have been locked in a cold war over the Niger-Benin Export Pipeline. Niger has refused to fully reopen its land borders with Benin, citing security concerns and accusing President Patrice Talon’s administration of providing a staging ground for French military operations accusations that Cotonou has dismissed as “absurd propaganda.”

The timing of the expulsions is particularly damaging for regional trade. Just last month, there were hopes that mediators from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS were nearing a breakthrough to normalize transit. However, this latest “tit-for-tat” maneuver suggests that both leaders are doubling down on their respective positions.

“We are witnessing the complete breakdown of traditional diplomacy in the sub-region. When diplomats are sent home, it means the talking has stopped and the risk of economic or even cross-border friction has increased significantly.” — Moussa Zaki, Regional Security Analyst

The fallout is expected to hit the business community hardest. Thousands of transporters remain stranded at border crossings, and the delay in oil shipments continues to deprive both nations of much-needed revenue in an era of 14.45% regional inflation.

As of this evening, security has been beefed up around the Beninese embassy in Niamey and the Nigerien mission in Cotonou. International observers are now watching closely to see if other AES members, such as Mali or Burkina Faso, will intervene or if the rift will lead to a total severance of ties.