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Niger to Hold Talks With Benin on Restoring Relations, Resuming Oil Pipeline Operations

15:42, 4 July 2024

CC BY 2.0 / Shubert Ciencia / Cotonou Skyline (Cotonou, Benin)

Christina Glazkova

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The longest pipeline in Africa, at 1,950 km, runs through the two West African countries. It is operated by PetroChina, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, and is expected to export 90,000 barrels per day, of which 25.4% will go to Niger, according to the country's leader, Abdourahamane Tiani.

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The Niger authorities have agreed to engage in negotiations with the Benin government to restore relations and resume operations of the oil pipeline, the Alliance of Sahel States wrote on X.

"Beninese mediators stressed the importance of constructive dialogue to resolve differences. They recalled the strong historical ties that unite the two peoples and pleaded for a peaceful resolution of differences," the post read.

As a result of the negotiations, oil supplies to China may resume via a pipeline from Niger to Benin.

This follows leader Abdourahamane Tiani's meeting with former Benin presidents Thomas Boni Yayi and Nicephore Soglo on June 24.

A tripartite commission composed of representatives of the Beninese and Nigerien governments, as well as the two former presidents of Benin, has also been established. Its mission is to restore normal relations between the two countries, guarantee common security, and promote the resumption of socio-economic exchanges in a peaceful climate.

However, authorities in both countries told Reuters that no date has been set for the meeting.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Niger to Use Chad's Pipeline for Oil Exports Instead of Benin's One

26 June, 19:02

On June 14, Niger authorities blocked the oil pipeline to Benin. On June 11 and 12, and on orders from the head of state, General Tiani, Niger's oil minister, Mahamane Moustapha Barke, was in Agadem, where raw materials enter the oil pipeline. This was to suspend the transit of crude oil destined for export through Benin. The valves have been effectively closed since June 6, the minister said. All the valves have been fitted with chains, padlocks, and seals.

The shipment was stopped in response to the arrest by the Beninese police on the previous day of its five representatives, who were supervising the loading of crude oil onto a ship at the port.

Interestingly, the Nigerien government announced last Tuesday its intention to use Chad's pipeline to export its crude oil to the international market, as reported by the Alliance of Sahel States. Additionally, a committee has been established to oversee the necessary work for transporting Nigerien crude oil via Chad's pipeline.