Since Monday, May 6, 2024, the Beninese authorities have taken the decision to veto Nigerian crude oil awaiting export at the Sèmè terminal in southern Benin.
According to the Beninese Government, no boat would enter its waters to recover this oil for the international market.
This decision by Benin is in response to the continued closure of the border by Niger despite all the acts of good faith implemented by Cotonou since December 2023.
For Benin, Niger cannot keep its borders closed and sends out the products of its choice according to its economic interests.
Read also: https://visages-du-benin.com/malgre-des-avants-colossaux-le-benin-bloque-lexportation-du-petrole-brut-nigerien-et-hausse-le-ton-contre-niamey -on-another-essential-product/
According to koriactu and several other media, Niger, through its Prime Minister But Lamine ZEINE reacted to the announcement of this decision by Benin. For the Head of the Nigerien Government, “… If this blockage should occur, it would first be up to the Chinese to settle the matter with the Beninese. Niger, for its part, would stick to the content of the agreement ».
Why China in the Benino-Nigerian dispute?
China is in fact Niger’s main customer for its crude oil and as such, it has already made an “advance” to the Nigerien government on its upcoming oil sales. Said advance in the form of a loan in the amount of 400 million was obtained at the beginning of April 2024 and must be repaid over a period of 12 months with an interest rate of 7%.
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