Benin threw a wrench into Niger’s plan to export oil for the first time, citing an ongoing border dispute between the two West African nations.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon demands Niger reopen its land border before it can utilize Benin’s crucial ports.
Accusing Niger of treating Benin like an “enemy,” Talon emphasized, “If you want to load your oil in our waters, you must consider that Benin is not an enemy country.”
This friction stems from a military coup that rocked Niger last year.
Benin, along with other West African nations, imposed sanctions including border closures to pressure a return to civilian rule.
While the sanctions were lifted in February, Niger has refused to reopen its land border for Benin’s goods.
“If tomorrow the Nigerien authorities decide to collaborate with Benin in a formal manner, the boats will be loaded,” Talon added, hinting at a resolution if Niger cooperates.
Niger’s military junta has yet to respond to these comments. This move by Benin jeopardizes Niger’s entire oil export plan.
The landlocked nation, currently producing a modest 20,000 barrels daily, relies on finding an export route to significantly boost production to 110,000 barrels a day.
The 2,000-kilometer pipeline constructed by China through Benin was supposed to be the key to unlocking Niger’s oil potential.
This dispute not only undermines the project but also strains relations between the formerly close trading partners.
Herve Akinocho, a research director in Benin, highlighted the economic losses for both countries.
Benin would miss out on an estimated $7 million daily from oil transit fees, but Benin’s losses are likely even greater due to rerouted trade.
Akinocho explained that most of Niger’s trade previously flowed through Benin, but Togo has now become the preferred route due to the closed border.
Niger’s refusal to reopen the border is “really hitting the economy of Benin,” particularly the transportation sector.
Source-BBC
