While discussions between the Beninese and Nigerien authorities on the process of exporting crude oil from Niger to the international market via the port of Sèmé (Republic of Benin) were almost concluded with the discharge of Cotonou, a clap of thunder sounded falls, against all expectations, on the giant Nigerien pipeline. Cotonou stands out from Niamey and seems to line up behind Paris which is maneuvering to block the export of Nigerien oil to the international market.
Having just returned from an official visit to the Beninese capital to finalize the long process of putting oil on the market, the Nigerien delegation learned with sadness of Cotonou’s about-face. The Beninese authorities have decided to block the loading of the first cargo of Nigerien oil from the Sèmé Kpodji platform. Could France be at the origin of this blockade? Many think so. However, relations between General Abdourahmane Tiani of Niger and Patrice Talon of Benin began to normalize. The last public appearance of the tenant of the Marina Palace reassured the Nigerian authorities. An almost wind of improvement blew year after year in the diplomatic cables between the two countries. As Confidentiel Afrique revealed in its digital publication of May 6, 2024, the Nigerien and Beninese authorities reached an agreement on the process of placing Nigerien crude on the market via Sèmé and everything indicated that the file was closed. The process of exporting Niger’s crude oil to the international market was progressing rapidly.
The closing of the pipeline takes on water
At the end of an official visit by the Nigerien authorities to Cotonou from May 2 to 5, 2024, Niamey is holding the valves well, after having agreed with Beninese officials on the process of placing the product on the international market. the first cargo of crude oil from Niger,” Confidentiel Afrique wrote on Monday. Suddenly, backpedaling from Cotonou, which has just issued, unilaterally, without informing the officials in Niamey, its decision to suspend the agreements born from the discussions two days ago. A backpedaling to the first degree, which thus administers an uppercut to the giant Nigerian pipeline, one of the longest on the continent. What happened ? Did Paris maneuver to influence the sudden decision of President Patrice TALON to block the loading of the first cargo of Nigerien black gold, via the strategic port of Sèmé?
The Beninese government, through a letter notified to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the company in charge of operating the Niger-Benin pipeline and to the Chinese ambassador present in Benin, that it intends to block any affiliated boarding for the transport of Nigerien oil through the port of Sèmé-Kpodji. According to information from Confidentiel Afrique, the Marina Palace in Cotonou was wired by the Élysée during the day on Monday. Who was in charge? The French Head of State who received his Chinese counterpart in Paris on an official visit or a special envoy he appointed for the need? According to our well-checked information, President Patrice TALON opened up about it to some of his ministers, after being wired, before taking action.
Probably pressure from Paris and Cotonou made an about-face, after having given its agreement to the Nigerien delegation. With this unexpected blockade, Niger will not be able to benefit from the 400 million dollars advanced by the Chinese and, especially after the refusal of the authorities to pass this financial windfall into the accounts of the French treasury. Paris is taking quite a revenge on Niamey, less than a year from the putsch of July 26, which overthrew BAZOUM Mohamed.
The Nigerien government’s hope of being able to sell its crude oil on the international market for the first time via the port of Sèmé in Benin is starting to slip through its fingers and is not yet feasible.
By Ismael AÏDARA (African Confidential)
