Nigerien public television has reported that the taps feeding a pipeline carrying oil from landlocked Niger to Benin for export have been shut off, intensifying the diplomatic conflict between the two neighbors.
Relations have been strained since last year’s coup in Niger, with the Benin port of Seme-Kpodji, a key export point for Niger’s oil, becoming a contentious issue. Following the coup, regional sanctions were imposed on Niger, prompting Benin to close its border, though it has since reopened it. However, Niger’s military leaders have not reciprocated by reopening their side.
Last week, Benin announced on national television the lifting of a “blockade” on Nigerien oil. In contrast, Nigerien public broadcaster Tele Sahel reported on Thursday that Oil Minister Mahamane Moustapha Barke visited the eastern part of the country earlier this week to enforce “the instructions of the head of state, General Abdourahamane Tiani, for the total closure of the valves of crude oil destined for export” via Benin.
One station’s valves had already been shut since June 6, according to the broadcaster, and Barke ordered the closure of the remaining stations where oil was still flowing, securing them with chains and padlocks.
“Regardless of the cost, we are prepared to bear it,” Barke told Nigerien officials and Chinese partners at the stations.
The oil is crucial for the economies of both Niger and Benin, as well as for the Chinese company Wapco, which operates the pipeline.
In a related development, five Nigeriens were arrested last week at the Seme-Kpodji port, with Beninese authorities accusing at least two of being “agents” of the Nigerien junta disguised as Wapco employees. Niger denies these accusations.
Barke mentioned last week that General Tiani had ordered the shutdown of a pumping station if the five detainees were not released.
