In the midst of the political instability following the recent coup in Niger, more than a hundred trucks destined for the country have been left stranded at the border town of Malanville, Benin. This blockage has been ongoing for over a week, with Benin closing its border with Niger in accordance with a decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Unfortunately, transporters in the border town have been severely affected by this situation.
Truck drivers, like Ousmane Ouataro, express their frustrations with the ongoing blockade. Ouataro explains, “When you’re parked like that, the validity of insurance expires every day, the technical inspection too, and the necessary papers are running out.” Additionally, the lack of access to food is a growing concern for the drivers, who estimate that they will spend around 1,000 CFA francs a day on food for themselves and their apprentices.
Rabiou Garba, President of the Syndicat des transporteurs et des importateurs nouveaux associés du Bénin (Syntra-Inab), emphasized the scale of the problem, stating, “Many trucks have stopped at Kandi because the Malanville fleet can only accommodate 200 trucks.” With over 600 trucks waiting to cross the border, Garba highlighted the significant backlog of goods. The situation has become untenable for the drivers, who have been stuck at the border for 16 days.
Issiaka Bassé, another truck driver en route to Niger, voiced his frustration, saying, “We left our families to find work and feed them. We don’t know what’s going on. We’re stuck here. It has been 16 days and counting. We are appealing to the people of Africa to resolve their problems and let us through. We will unload our cargo, turn around, and return to our families in peace.”
In response to the political crisis in Niger, the West African bloc decided to deploy a “standby force to restore constitutional order,” following an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria. However, the planned meeting of defense chiefs scheduled for Saturday, August 12, has been postponed.
The situation at the Benin-Niger border highlights the struggles faced by the transport industry due to the closure. The blockage has not only disrupted the flow of goods but has also left truck drivers in dire straits, facing issues such as expiring documentation and limited access to food. The impact of the ongoing political turmoil in Niger is evident, with the situation leaving truck drivers feeling abandoned and urging a swift resolution.
The Benin-Niger border closure and the subsequent truck blockade have highlighted the need for a speedy resolution of the political crisis in Niger. As the truck drivers continue to wait for the border to reopen, it is clear that urgent action is necessary to alleviate their suffering and allow them to return to their families. The pressure is now on the West African bloc to devise a solution that not only restores constitutional order in Niger but also aids the transport industry and drivers affected by the border closure.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Mohammed Badangida
