Benin President Patrice Talon expressed frustration over the lack of response from Niger regarding the ongoing dispute over exports of crude oil from Niger via a port in Benin. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, including a meeting between Benin’s mining minister and Nigerien officials, no progress has been made.
The strained relations between the two West African neighbors stem from a coup in Niger in July 2023, which led to the imposition of sanctions by the regional bloc ECOWAS. While the sanctions have been lifted, Niger has kept its borders closed to goods from Benin, causing trade flows in the region to remain disrupted.
In a televised address, President Talon emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries to allow for the regular shipment of Nigerien oil through Benin’s port terminal. However, he noted that this would only be possible if the border was formally opened, at least for oil shipments.
Despite Benin’s efforts to reverse a decision blocking exports of Nigerien oil and hold meetings with Niger, a long-term solution has yet to be agreed upon. President Talon expressed disappointment over the lack of response from Niger and urged for a resolution to the ongoing dispute to attract investors to the region.
The nearly 2,000 km PetroChina-backed pipeline linking Niger’s Agadem oilfield to the port of Cotonou in Benin was officially launched in November, highlighting the economic importance of resolving the dispute between the two countries.