Benin debunks rumors of closure of border with Togo

Benin has branded rubbish rumors of closure of its border with Togo, triggered by a queue of trucks lining up on the Beninese side, at the northern border town of Ouake.

Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, spokesman for President Patrice Talon’s Administration said Tuesday October 31 that the long queue of trailers is due to the installation of a toll and weighing infrastructure by the Togolese government on its own territory, but very close to the Beninese border, local media ‘Banouto’ reported.

This infrastructure, although located on Togolese territory, has a substantial impact on the flow of trucks across the border between the two countries, the official reportedly added.

“In fact, our customs services are obliged to take into account the evolution of traffic on Togolese territory, and to gradually allow trucks to pass through on the Beninese side as well,” Houngbédji said.

Benin, he added, believes in an optimization of services on the other side would help improve the situation.

Ouake border town crossing is located near the Togolese town of Kémérida. The crossing point is known as a strategic corridor serving the far north of Benin and the Sahel countries from the port of Lome.