Benin today is making an offer of betrayal, subcontracting and collaboration to harm Niger, by blocking oil exports from Niger through its port, Nigerien macroeconomist Hambali Dodo Oumarou told Sputnik.
He described this measure as an "irresponsible act" by Beninese President Patrice Talon, pointing out that the two countries have a long history of "good relations."
However, in the face of this denial, Niger has the opportunity to turn to more reliable partners, including Russia and China, according to the expert.
"If today China and Russia can help us quickly build new pipelines, I assure you that Niger will be saved 1000% from the risks of destabilization of our territory, from the risks of blocking our public policies by the French and their accomplices," he said.
In addition, Niger could call on Burkina Faso and Togo for the "commercial circuit of Nigerien oil," the analyst argued.
Benin's 'Attachment' to France and US 'Poses a Threat' to Niger, Expert Says
The expert added that the blockage undermines Niger's economic growth forecasts, which were expected to reach 11.1% this year thanks to fuel exports.
According to him, Benin works closely with France and the US, and the country's change of stance towards its neighbor came after a "visit by high-ranking American officers."
In addition, insecurity in Niger's Dosso region, which borders Benin, is linked to the fact that the latter is "home to terrorist hotbeds, training grounds for French terrorist bases," the analyst stressed.
"We noticed that Benin was the first country to receive new French bases. This proves that the Benin border was in fact the most accessible gateway for French terrorists to Niger State," he elaborated.
The Economic Community of West African States closed Niger's land and air borders in an attempt to persuade the military government, which took power in a coup last July, to restore civilian rule. The sanctions were lifted earlier this year, but Niger reportedly continues to keep its land border with Benin closed.