The President of the Nigerien transitional government, General Abdourahamane Tiani, reaffirmed on Saturday, November 8, 2025, his decision to maintain the closure of the borders with Benin, citing security reasons. While Benin allows the circulation of essential food products, Niger is relying on its agricultural potential and prioritizing rice cultivation to ensure food security, while denouncing what it describes as hostile maneuvers from Beninese territory.
The President of the Nigerien transitional government, General Abdourahamane Tiani, reaffirmed his firm stance on keeping the borders with Benin closed. According to him, no reopening will be considered until the security situation has improved satisfactorily. The head of state also stated that he is aware of the presence of French troops in Benin, who were previously expelled from Niger, and noted that their presence “is growing day by day.”
The enemy’s modus operandi, you must know it. It is mobility: mobility through discretion, ensured by the intelligence provided by its imperialist powers. The ultimate goal is to destabilize and to bring about the collapse of our country. But, God willing, the will of the adversaries, the enemies and their sponsors will be a total failure.
Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic
Even though Benin had authorized the free circulation of certain products to Niger—namely rice, canned goods, dairy products, eggs, and honey, which accounted for approximately 19.62% of Niger’s food imports in 2023—Niger has nevertheless decided to keep its borders with the country closed. To reassure the population regarding food security, the head of state emphasized that Niger possesses vast agricultural potential. He also called for prioritizing rice cultivation, particularly in light of climatic challenges affecting national production.
We have understood that it is our responsibility, and our sole responsibility, to be the rampart that protects our nation from the assaults of these bands of criminals. We must continue to be the pillar, the pillar on which our country has always rested and will continue to rest.
Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic
Maintaining his stance, the transitional president also accused Benin of serving as a platform for hostile actions against Niger. According to him, the presence of French and Belgian soldiers on Beninese territory contributes to supporting and financing terrorist groups aiming to destabilize the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
