Deputy Secretary-General and Government Spokesperson, Wilfried Houngbédji, has commented on the economic effects resulting from Benin’s closure of its border with Niger.
In an interview with BIP Radio on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the head of government communication discussed the impacts of the sanctions imposed on Niger and particularly the closure of the border between Benin and Niger.
Contrary to what is being said on social media, Léandre Wilfried Houngbédji maintains that the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS have not paralyzed activities at the Port Autonome de Cotonou.
Former journalist Houngbédji does not deny the existence of impacts from the current situation on the country’s economy. However, he seems to downplay this impact by indicating that the current regime has made significant investments at the port while diversifying its partners.
Even though Niger remains a country with which Benin has a significant trade relationship, it knows how to be resilient. As proof, the government spokesperson points out that Benin managed for over a year with the closure of land borders with Nigeria, despite the strong economic ties between the two states.
It must be mentioned that since the closure of the border between Benin and Niger, dozens of trucks that come to load goods from the Port Autonome de Cotonou for Niamey and other cities in the country are stuck with their cargo.
This is a direct economic impact of ECOWAS measures on the activities of transporters and forwarders, collateral victims of ECOWAS sanctions.
