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In May, already strained relations between Niger and Benin were further escalated by a dispute over border closures
Niger’s military junta said it had agreed to talks with Benin to help resolve a border dispute between the two West African countries that has led to a blockade of crude oil exports and the closure of a China-backed pipeline.
The decision to hold talks was reached last week during a meeting between Niger’s transitional leader, General Abdulhamane Kiyani, and two former Benin presidents, Thomas Boni Yayi and Niciphore Soglo, the Nigerien government announced on Tuesday.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated after Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup last July. Benin implemented sanctions imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including closing its border, in response to the coup. ECOWAS lifted those measures in February.
However, Niger has refused to reopen its border with Benin, citing security concerns. Military leaders accuse Benin of supporting a cross-border incursion orchestrated by ECOWAS and France to restore civilian rule.
Tensions between the two countries escalated in May after Benin blocked landlocked Niger from exporting crude oil through its ports and demanded that Niamey fully reopen its border to allow Beninese goods to pass through and restore normal relations.
Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said the decision to ban Niamey from using the port of Seme Kpodji, 30 km south of Cotonou, Benin’s de facto capital, violated a bilateral trade agreement.
Last month, Niamey accused Benin of kidnapping five Nigeriens who were on duty at the Seme-Kboji pipeline terminal, responsible for supervising and controlling the loading of oil shipments. The Special Prosecutor of Benin previously reported that the country’s authorities detained five Nigerien nationals who allegedly entered the terminal under false pretenses.
In June, armed Nigerien rebels vandalized the pipeline, causing minor damage.
As Niger depends on Benin for oil shipments, the blockade is expected to jeopardize the country’s plans to start exporting crude oil to China under a $400 million commodity support agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation.
China had previously taken the initiative to mediate negotiations to resolve the dispute between Niamey and Cotonou, but failed to reach an agreement.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, Tchiani told the Benin delegation that he was willing to participate “frank” The meeting was held and their suggestions were accepted to ease the tension.
“He agreed in principle to set up a committee composed of representatives of the Nigerien government, the Benin government and two visiting former heads of state of Benin,” The government said.
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