Benin and Niger finally appear to have resolved their trade dispute following the mediation by the Chinese government, which has led Benin to lift the blockade preventing Niger’s oil export through its territory to China. Tensions between the two West African neighbors began last year after Niger’s ruling junta ousted the country’s democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Benin retaliated by blocking a newly Chinese-built oil pipeline leading from Niger to the port of Seme Kpodji, in southern Benin. Now, following a mediation of the Chinese government and Chinese companies operating the newly inaugurated pipeline, Benin has finally given a green light for the export crude oil from Niger to China. The oil pipeline, which was supposed to go into operation these days, runs through Beninese territory.”

Source: The North Africa Journal May 17, 2024 18:31 UTC