Beninese President Patrice Talon recently appealed to Niger for the reopening of borders and the normalization of relations between the two countries. This appeal, broadcast in a video by the Beninese presidency, underlines the importance of this approach to facilitate the export of Nigerien oil via the port of Sèmè Kpodji in Benin.
Benin had already reopened its border with Niger following the lifting of ECOWAS economic sanctions last February. However, Niger still maintains its border closed on the Beninese side, according to President Talon.
Niger recently established a major pipeline to transport crude oil from Agadem to Benin, operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation. This project aims to increase Nigerien oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, of which 90,000 barrels would be exported via the port of Sèmè.
In his video, President Talon stressed that for Nigerien oil to be loaded into Beninese waters, formal cooperation between the two countries is necessary. He also noted that the border closure has had significant repercussions on Beninese public finances and the cost of food, highlighting the urgency of resolving this situation for both nations.
