The decision of the Beninese government sounds like a return to the standoff between Benin and Niger. The embargo on Nigerien oil was notified to the Chinese ambassador to Benin as well as to the Chinese company responsible for managing the pipeline linking Niger to Benin. For some Beninese, the government is doing well to make such a decision. Alain is a port worker. According to him, “Benin extended its hand to Niger, which refused to take it.”
Another continues : “I think the government is doing the right thing by stopping the export of oil. It’s too easy. Niger has made no effort to understand the situation. Benin has taken many steps towards Niger, but since the current authorities are soldiers, they did not want to listen to reason. When it comes to bilateral relations, we must move forward in a consensual manner. Why are we going to allow them to have oil when they are not ready to open their borders. I’m not pro Talon but here, I applaud. »
Others argue that there is no point in wallowing in a hopeless situation, even if they understand that with this decision, Benin is trying to force Niger’s hand. Ernest, a political actor who requires anonymity, emphasizes that “This is not a decision that will hurt Niger alone. Benin is also concerned. Through this project, Benin collects taxes, the Beninese have found employment. And the Chinese company which manages the pipeline has made investments and expects a return on investment. So Benin is also counting on the intervention of China to make Niger bend. »
For Baudelaire, a professor of philosophy, “Benin once again has just missed an opportunity to do things according to the rules of the art». “It is a decision that I deplore. The two countries came together to decide on this project, the investments were made. And it is only now, when Niger will benefit from the fruits of its efforts, that Benin decides to put an embargo, under the pretext that the authorities do not want to open their borders. I don’t agree. », he takes offense.
Among the Beninese population, many no longer want to return to the standoff with Niger. Paul, an economic operator, estimate that “the authorities of both countries must take into account the interests of their people”.
“We know what we experienced when ECOWAS imposed sanctions that Benin followed without asking questions. I am a little surprised by the stubbornness of our authorities, especially since the two countries have always had privileged relations. In any case, I didn’t expect such a decision,” concludes Paul.
Benin hosts 675km of the pipeline out of a total length of 1980km. This should bring in approximately 490 million dollars (300 billion francs) in tax revenue over 20 years. In addition, it will allow Niger to increase its oil production capacity to 110,000 barrels/d. Furthermore, the infrastructure creates at least 3,000 jobs in both countries Beninese authorities have made no comment to the media.
