Tensions between Niger and Benin have intensified over a decision by Benin to block its landlocked neighbor from using its port to export crude oil. This conflict is part of an ongoing border dispute between the two countries.

Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, stated that Benin’s actions violated existing trade agreements between Niger, Benin, and their Chinese partners.

Zeine further escalated the dispute by announcing that Niger could not fully reopen its border with Benin due to security concerns. In response, Benin declared that it would only lift the blockade if Niger reopened its borders to goods coming from Benin and restored diplomatic relations.

The blockade has serious consequences for Niger’s plans to export crude oil to China as part of a $400 million deal. A Chinese-built pipeline, spanning 2,000 kilometers, connects Niger’s Agadem oil field to Benin’s port, making the blockage a critical economic issue for Niger.

Relations between the two nations have been strained since a military coup took place in Niger last year. As a result, Benin, along with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, imposed strict sanctions on Niger, including border closures, in an effort to pressure the military to return power to the elected government.

Although some sanctions were eased in February, Niger has remained firm in keeping its land border closed to goods from Benin. This ongoing conflict continues to create tension and disrupt trade between the two countries.