Impact of July 26 Coup Spreads to Niger-Nigeria Border, Affecting Centuries-old Ties
People are constantly moving between Niger and Nigeria. The town of Birni N’Konni in Niger is now isolated because the borders are closed. In Nigeria, things have been difficult since the July 26 coup. Traders are using hidden paths in the bushes. They are going back to how things used to be.
The security forces are our main issue,” a person who drives mules expresses concern. “We have to give them money so they allow us to go through.” The man goes on to say, “If this border stays closed, some people will lose their lives. People will die! There are no jobs! And all day long, I can’t even have a meal.
Some people can’t cross either. Many truck drivers from central Nigeria are here, stuck. They have no choice but to wait. “We need to take coal to a factory in Niger.” But it’s not working. Like him, lots of other truckers are waiting with their trucks full of things, on both sides of the border.