Tensions Rise Between African Neighbors Due to Oil Blockade

Niger’s military government has lodged a complaint against Benin, accusing them of breaching bilateral trade agreements by obstructing the export of crude oil from Niger through their ports.

Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine made this assertion during a press conference on Saturday, following Beninese authorities’ announcement that they would prohibit Niamey from utilizing the port of Seme Kpodji, situated 30km south of Benin’s economic hub, Cotonou.

The relationship between these two West African neighboring countries has been strained since Nigerien soldiers overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup last July. In September, Niamey’s new leadership terminated a military cooperation agreement with the Beninese government, accusing them of supporting a planned cross-border invasion by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France to reverse the coup.

Benin also implemented ECOWAS sanctions, including border closures against Niger, resulting in numerous truckloads of essential goods, such as food and medical supplies, being stranded at the borders. However, in December, the autonomous port lifted the restrictions that had hindered the transit of imported goods to landlocked Niger.

Cotonou reopened its border with Niger in February after ECOWAS lifted the punitive measures, following Niamey’s joint announcement with the military rulers in Burkina Faso and Mali of their withdrawal from the regional bloc due to “inhumane sanctions.” Last week, Beninese President Patrice Talon, who had previously called for a swift restoration of relations between his country and Niger, demanded that Nigerien authorities fully reopen their land border if they wish to export fuel through Benin’s ports.

Niger’s prime minister has expressed concern over the blockade imposed by Benin, stating that it is preventing Nigerien crude from reaching the international market and is a serious violation of Benin’s commitment.

This blockade has put Niger’s plans to export crude oil to China at risk, as the country relies on Benin for oil shipments. Niger had borrowed funds from Beijing and intends to repay the debt by shipping oil to Asia for a year.

Despite claims of the border closure being due to security reasons, Benin has insisted on lifting the blockade only if Niger reopens its border to goods from Benin.