The Niger Junta accepts negotiations to mend fences with Benin

In an effort to mend ties after a coup in Niger last year resulted in the closure of the border and the closure of an oil pipeline supported by China, the junta in Niger has agreed to hold negotiations with the government of Benin, which is led by two former presidents of Benin.

Niger’s administration said on Tuesday that the country consented to the negotiations following a meeting on June 24 between Benin’s former presidents, Nicephore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi, and its military chief, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

On Wednesday, representatives from both nations informed Reuters that the meeting’s date had not yet been set.

A resolution that allows a new tab-backed pipeline would let oil to start flowing again to China through the PetroChina (601857.SS). As tensions over the border closure increased, Niger ceased oil exports through the 1,243-mile (1,2,000-kilometer) pipeline to the coast of Benin in mid-June.

The coup in Niger in July 2023 sparked tensions and resulted in more than six months of sanctions on the country by the Economic Community of West African States.

Since then, there has been tension between Niger and its neighbors as Niger accuses Benin of harboring rebels who are planning to topple the Sahel country. Benin has refuted the charges.

An armed Niger rebel group hostile to the junta damaged the pipeline in June, causing very minimal damage.

According to the statement released on Tuesday, Tiani informed the past heads of state from Benin that he was willing to have an open discussion and that he would welcome their suggestion to ease tensions.

“He agreed to the principle of forming a commission comprised of representatives from Niger’s government, Benin’s government and the two visiting former Beninese heads of state,” stated the statement.

According to a separate statement, the previous leaders met again with Patrice Talon, the president of Benin, on Monday.

“The president and the former presidents agreed on the need to reestablish dialogue as agreed by all parties,” added the statement.