Benin has officially lifted its suspension on imported goods transiting to Niger through the port of Cotonou, as announced by the port’s director general, Bart Jozef Johan Van Eenoo, on Wednesday. This decision comes after five months of sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a coup in Niger on July 26, which resulted in the ousting of elected leader Mohamed Bazoum.

The sanctions had led to the closure of the border between the two countries, significantly impacting Benin’s revenue due to the halt of goods transportation to Niger via its ports. Van Eenoo stated, “The measure relating to the suspension of imported goods destined for Niger at the port of Cotonou has been lifted,” citing a “substantial improvement in the operational conditions for handling goods” at the port, particularly noting a reduction in congestion rates.

This development follows recent calls from Benin President Patrice Talon for the swift re-establishment of relations with Niger. Both nations are also focused on the implications of a significant oil pipeline project that will enable Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, to sell its crude oil on the international market for the first time, utilizing the Benin port of Sémè. The reopening of the port for goods transiting to Niger is seen as a positive step towards improving trade relations and enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.