In Benin, the price of dry onion is increasing in the markets. This condiment vegetable, widely used in Beninese cuisine, comes mainly from Niger. Since the closure of borders ordered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), onions have become an expensive commodity. Report from the Dantokpa market in Cotonou.
1 min
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
The increase in the price of a bag of onions was already noted in August 2023, the day after the borders closed. Trucks loaded with onions from Niger could no longer enter Benin. It is December, the month when onions flood the markets, and yet prices remain high.
“ When the border was closed, the price increased », says Pascal, met at the Dantokpa market in Cotonou. “ The onion went up to 40, 50, even 70 000 (CFA francs). It’s too expensive. You have to help us. Help us Mr President ! », says Marthe, also met at the same market.
Bakary, a Nigerien and former in the onion business, explains that the increase in prices is due to the new route taken by trucks, which is longer and more expensive. “ The onions leave Niger and pass through Sokoto. From Sokoto, trucks arrive in the Nigerian capital to enter Benin. Before the border closed, trucks used the corridor which takes us directly from Malanville to Cotonou “, he said.
Onion is a key ingredient in Beninese cuisine. Sliced, chopped, pureed, melted… Households have no choice but to buy it at that price. But the commodity is difficult to sell, because it is too expensive. Hence this cry from the heart of a wholesale reseller, launched in the direction of President Patrice Talon: “ Let him do everything to open the border, we citizens are suffering a lot. »