Benin lifts ban on exports to Niger

Benin’s Cotonou port authority (PAC) lifted Wednesday December 27 the ban on the exportation of goods to neighboring Niger. The ban was part of the implementation of sanctions against Niger by the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), after the seizure of power on July 26 by a junta.

Bart Van Eenoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cotonou Port Authority, signed the notice lifting the ban. Benin imposed the ban on October 25. The move forced importers to use other regional ports including that of Lome, in Togo.

The ban came after a group of soldiers headed by General Abdourahamane Tiani removed elected leader Mohamed Bazoum from power.

ECOWAS slapped a range of sanctions on the country in a bid to force Tiani to surrender power and restore Bazoum but the punitive measures have failed.

Eenoo’s decision comes few days after Benin leader Patrice Talon told lawmakers about his keenness to thaw ties with the junta-led power in Niger.

Talon also argued that Tiani-led power in Niger is responsible for providing assurance to the regional organization and the international community for a power transition.

The ECOWAS early this month called on Tiani to propose a short transition period. It also appointed Talon and leaders of Togo and Sierra Leone to mediate between the grouping and Niamey.