Prime Minister of Niger condemns Benin’s oil export blockade as a violation of agreements

Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine has accused Benin of violating trade agreements by blocking Niger’s oil exports in response to a border closure. The blockade, imposed by Benin, has put at risk Niger’s plan to start crude exports under a $400 million deal with China National Petroleum Corp.

Zeine stated at a press conference in Niamey that the blockade goes against numerous agreements signed by Benin, Niger, and Chinese partners regarding the PetroChina-backed pipeline linking Niger’s Agadem oil field to the port of Cotonou. He emphasized that Benin cannot unilaterally modify or limit the agreements without the consent of all parties involved.

The strained relations between the two countries stem from a coup in Niger in July 2023, which led to strict sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. Despite Benin’s demand to fully reopen the border, Zeine cited security concerns as the reason for maintaining the closure.

Niger is currently facing a decade-old insurgency led by armed groups associated with Islamic State and Al Qaeda. Zeine highlighted the presence of terrorist bases in Benin’s territory as a threat to Niger’s security, indicating that the border will only reopen once the country is certain of its safety.

The future of the trade dispute remains uncertain as both countries stand firm on their positions. Niger’s reliance on oil exports to fund bond payments adds urgency to resolving the conflict and ensuring the stability of the region.