Niger has resumed crude oil exports to Benin following a resolution of the dispute that had halted the flow of oil through a Chinese-funded pipeline. The pipeline, which stretches nearly 2,000 kilometres from Niger’s Agadem oilfield to the Benin coast, had been blocked since June due to political tensions between the two nations.
The conflict began when Niger refused to lift its ban on imported goods from Benin, leading to Benin’s decision to halt oil exports through the pipeline. Despite the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifting sanctions on Niger earlier this year, Niger maintained its border closure, further straining relations.
Negotiations eventually led to a breakthrough, although it is not yet clear what the recent agreement is. Talks between Niger’s military junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani and two former Beninese presidents, Thomas Boni Yayi and Nicephore Soglo, facilitated the deal that allowed exports to resume.
Niger’s oil exports are part of a $400 million deal with China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC). The agreement allows Niger to repay a loan from China through oil shipments over 12 months. The pipeline in question is operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) and has a capacity of 90,000 barrels per day.
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