In the Malanville region, on the borders of Niger and Benin, there has been an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty since the closure of the border post following the coup d’état. Benin’s decision to ban crossing the river has directly impacted residents and travelers who struggle to travel between the two countries.
The residents of Malanville now find themselves isolated, cut off from their loved ones and their usual activities. Transport companies had to suspend their journeys to Kandi, around a hundred kilometers from Malanville, leaving passengers in uncertainty and discomfort. For Abdel Morou, who must travel regularly to Cotonou to join his family, these complications have disrupted his travel habits and generated additional costs.
Malanville town hall justifies this decision by the difficulties encountered in managing the influx of passengers to Niger, following the closure of the river crossing. This situation has significant economic repercussions, with an increase in the prices of products and services, directly impacting the lives of residents in the region. The mayor, Gado Guidami, warns of the consequences of this crisis on the local population, already weakened by other difficulties.
The complex geopolitical context between Benin and Niger raises questions about the future of relations between the two countries. The inhabitants of Malanville, taken hostage by this situation, are impatiently awaiting a rapid and peaceful resolution of the border conflict. In the meantime, their daily lives are marked by the uncertainty and inconvenience linked to this unexpected border closure.
The situation in Malanville highlights the political and economic issues that play out around international borders, directly impacting the lives of local populations. It is essential that the authorities of the two countries quickly find a solution to this conflict to relieve the inhabitants of Malanville and restore the fluidity of trade between Benin and Niger. Hoping that cooperation prevails over current tensions, for the well-being of all.