The recent decision by Benin to halt oil exports from neighboring Niger has been conditionally rescinded, suggesting that the diplomatic embargo between the two West African nations may be lifting. The news was made by Samou Seidou Adambi, the minister of mines for Benin, who also announced the dates of a forthcoming bilateral meeting to discuss the operational problems with their common oil pipeline.
After Benin stopped allowing Niger to ship crude through its port last week, tensions rose, leading to this temporary reversal. This was a reaction to Niger’s ongoing blockade of Benin-sourced goods over its borders, which intensified after a military coup in July 2023. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed severe sanctions for six months, which was aimed at restoring democratic governance in Niger..
“We have decided to authorize the loading of the first vessel in our waters… However, it is important to note that this authorization is provisional,” stated Minister Adambi during a press briefing after discussions with Chinese partners. The Chinese-backed PetroChina pipeline, spanning nearly 2,000 km, was inaugurated last November, connecting Niger’s Agadem oilfield to the Port of Cotonou in Benin. This pipeline is critical for landlocked Niger, which relies on the port for its oil exports.
Despite the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions, designed to encourage Niger to remain within the regional political and economic union, Niger has maintained strict border controls with Benin. President Patrice Talon of Benin expressed frustration over Niger’s lack of formal communication regarding the continued border closure. “Niger has not formally told Benin why it has done so,” President Talon remarked in a statement.
On the other side, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine criticized Benin’s actions last Saturday, arguing that the blockade violated international trade agreements and adversely affected Niger’s economic interests, including those with its Chinese partners. He explained that Niger’s border restrictions were based on security concerns, without providing detailed explanations.
Benin’s decision to temporarily lift the blockade and plan for a meeting underscores the complexities of regional trade and diplomacy in West Africa. Both nations are navigating intricate political landscapes, with Niger still under military rule and Benin seeking to maintain regional stability and economic continuity.
The upcoming meeting between Benin and Niger aims to resolve urgent issues related to the pipeline’s operations and ensure that future oil exports can proceed without further disruptions. This dialogue is seen as a crucial step toward normalizing relations and stabilizing trade flows between the two countries, which have been significantly impacted by political upheavals and security concerns.
As both countries prepare for this critical diplomatic engagement, the international community and regional stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that a sustainable resolution can be achieved. The outcome of these talks could set a precedent for how disputes are managed in the region, affecting not only Benin and Niger but also the broader ECOWAS community’s approach to conflict resolution and economic cooperation.
